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Air Fryer Fish Recipe – Ready In 6 Minutes

This easy air fryer fish recipe needs only a few ingredients and just 6 minutes of cooking time. The hot air of the air fryer will work through your piece of fish in no time and will make you question why you ever leaned on deep frying in the past.

air fryer fish recipe

It takes less time to make this piece of fish in the air fryer than it would in your oven. Owning an air fryer is an absolute game changer. This easy weeknight dinner is one that everyone in your family will enjoy. Start with fresh seafood and work on a panko mixture that is filled with flavor.

You want to look for air fryer fish sticks that are golden brown. That is the color to aim for!

how to make fish in air fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh halibut, whitefish, or other mild fish
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon seasoning salt or a cajun seasoning
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • nonstick cooking oil spray
  • fresh lemon, optional for serving
  • tartar sauce for serving
panko breadcrumb mixture

Directions: 

Preheat air fryer by heating it at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.  In a shallow bowl, mix together flour and seasoning. In a separate shallow dish, beat two eggs. In a third shallow dish, add bread crumbs. Set aside. 

breadcrumbs on fish

Slice fish into 1/2″ long pieces. Dip into flour, coating all sides, follow with a bath in egg, coating both sides, and finally in the bread crumbs, coating all sides. Spray both sides with nonstick cooking spray. Place fish into the air fryer basket. 

Cook the fish at 350 for 6 minutes, checking halfway through and flipping if necessary. You’ll want to flip if the bottom of the fish begins to brown faster than the top. I did not need to flip my fish. Continue cooking. 

Serve immediately with fresh lemon and tartar sauce. This recipe serves 4.

Variations To This Air Fryer Fish Recipe

There are numerous ways to add variety and customize your air fryer fish recipe. Here are some variations you can try:

  1. Lemon Herb Fish:
    • Marinate the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and thyme before air frying.
  2. Spicy Cajun Fish:
    • Coat the fish with a Cajun seasoning mix or a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme for a flavorful and spicy kick.
  3. Parmesan Crusted Fish:
    • Create a coating with grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian herbs. Press this mixture onto the fish before air frying for a crispy, cheesy crust.
  4. Asian-Inspired Fish:
    • Make a soy-ginger marinade with soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Marinate the fish before air frying and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  5. Taco Seasoned Fish Tacos:
    • Season the fish with taco seasoning before air frying. Serve the cooked fish in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
  6. Coconut Crusted Fish:
    • Dip the fish in a mixture of coconut milk and then coat it with a blend of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs. Air fry for a tropical twist.
  7. Garlic Butter Fish:
    • Create a garlic butter sauce with melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush this sauce onto the fish before and after air frying for a rich and savory flavor.
  8. Mediterranean Style Fish:
    • Season the fish with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and black olives before air frying. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
  9. Honey Mustard Glazed Fish:
    • Make a glaze with honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush the glaze onto the fish before air frying for a sweet and tangy flavor.
  10. Buffalo Style Fish Bites:
    • Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces, coat them in buffalo sauce, and air fry for a spicy and tangy appetizer. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or get creative with your own favorite flavors. The versatility of the air fryer makes it easy to experiment with different seasonings and coatings to suit your taste preferences.

easy fish dinner ideas

FAQs

Here are some common questions people may have about air fryer fish recipes:

  1. Can I use frozen fish in the air fryer?
    • Yes, you can use frozen fish in the air fryer, but it’s recommended to thaw it first for more even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time if you’re cooking from frozen.
  2. What type of fish works best in the air fryer?
    • Most types of fish work well in the air fryer. Popular choices include tilapia, cod, salmon, and catfish. Choose a firm-fleshed fish for better results.
  3. Do I need to preheat the air fryer for fish?
    • Preheating is recommended for more consistent results. Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes at the recommended temperature before adding the fish.
  4. Should I coat the fish with oil before air frying?
    • Yes, coating the fish with a small amount of oil helps to achieve a crispy texture. You can use olive oil, canola oil, or another cooking oil of your choice.
  5. What seasonings work well with air fryer fish?
    • Seasonings like lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dill, and thyme are commonly used for flavoring air-fried fish. Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.
  6. Can I use a batter or breading for air fryer fish?
    • Yes, you can use a light batter or breading for air fryer fish. Keep it thin to ensure it crisps up properly. Consider using ingredients like panko breadcrumbs or a mixture of flour and spices.
  7. How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket?
    • Lightly oil the air fryer basket or coat the fish with oil to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil with small holes to allow air circulation.
  8. Can I cook fish and other foods in the air fryer simultaneously?
    • Yes, you can cook different foods in the air fryer at the same time. Just make sure they have similar cooking temperatures and times.
  9. How do I know when the fish is done?
    • The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillet. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done.

Tips and Variations

  • Serve this crispy fish alongside lemon wedges, french fries, and homemade tartar sauce.
  • If you’d like to add seafood seasoning to your batter, it will change the dish’s flavor profile. We like to use Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, simple garlic powder, or lemon pepper seasoning.
  • For easy cleanup, consider adding parchment paper to the bottom of your air fryer before browning.
  • To store, simply use an airtight container to store any leftovers.
  • Because there isn’t a lot of oil used in this recipe, you won’t have to worry about patting down any fried fish with a paper towel. That’s the best thing about using an air fryer. Less oil!
  • If you don’t want to use halibut, consider cod fillets or another type of delicate fish for this healthy lunch idea.

Common Recipe Issues

While air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to cook, there can still be some common problems when making air fryer fish. Here are potential issues and solutions:

  1. Fish is too dry:
    • Problem: Overcooking or using too high a temperature can lead to dry fish.
    • Solution: Monitor the cooking time closely, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the fish reaches 145°F (63°C) without exceeding it. You can also baste the fish with a little oil during cooking to help retain moisture.
  2. Breading doesn’t crisp up:
    • Problem: The breading may not crisp properly due to inadequate oil or a coating that’s too thick.
    • Solution: Use a light coating of oil on the breading or directly on the fish. Ensure that the breading is thin and even. You can also try flipping the fish halfway through the cooking time for more even crispiness.
  3. Fish sticks to the basket:
    • Problem: The fish may stick to the air fryer basket, especially if it’s not properly coated or oiled.
    • Solution: Lightly coat the basket with oil or use parchment paper. You can also lightly coat the fish itself with oil before placing it in the basket.
  4. Uneven cooking:
    • Problem: The fish may cook unevenly, with some parts being undercooked while others are overcooked.
    • Solution: Arrange the fish in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. Consider flipping or rearranging the fish halfway through the cooking time for more even results.
  5. Batter drips or falls off:
    • Problem: If you’re using a batter, it may drip off during cooking.
    • Solution: Make sure the batter isn’t too thick. You can also try chilling the battered fish for a short time before cooking to help the batter adhere better.
  6. Unpleasant odor in the air fryer:
    • Problem: Sometimes, cooking fish can leave a lingering smell in the air fryer.
    • Solution: Clean the air fryer thoroughly after each use. Consider placing a slice of lemon or some baking soda in the air fryer basket while cooking to help neutralize odors.
  7. Smoke or excessive fumes:
    • Problem: Excessive smoke or fumes may occur, especially if there’s excess oil or if the fish is too close to the heating element.
    • Solution: Check for excess oil in the bottom of the air fryer and remove it. Ensure that the fish is placed in a single layer and not too close to the heating element. Adjust the cooking temperature if needed.

By paying attention to these common issues and adjusting your cooking techniques accordingly, you can enhance the success of your air fryer fish recipe.

air fryer fish recipe

Air Fryer Fish Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This easy air fryer fish recipe needs only a few ingredients and just 6 minutes of cooking time. The hot air of the air fryer will work through your piece of fish in no time and will make you question why you ever leaned on deep frying in the past.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh halibut, whitefish, or other mild fish
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon seasoning salt or a cajun seasoning
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • nonstick cooking oil spray
  • fresh lemon, optional for serving
  • tartar sauce for serving

Instructions

    • Preheat air fryer by heating it at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. 
    • In a shallow bowl, mix together flour and seasoning. In a separate shallow dish, beat two eggs. In a third shallow dish, add bread crumbs. Set aside. 
    • Slice fish into 1/2" long pieces. Dip into flour, coating all sides, follow with a bath in egg, coating both sides and finally in the bread crumbs, coating all sides. Spray both sides with nonstick cooking spray. Place fish into the air fryer basket. 
    • Cook the fish at 350 for 6 minutes, checking halfway through and flipping if necessary. You'll want to flip if the bottom of the fish begins to brown faster than the top. I did not need to flip my fish. Continue cooking. 
    • Serve immediately with fresh lemon and tartar sauce. 
    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 580Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 215mgSodium: 2580mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 58g

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