Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Fish

Craving proper fish and chips This air fryer fish recipe gives you crispy golden cod with way less oil Quick easy and tastes just like the pub Get the recipe now ... Quick & Easy Meals
Recipe Introduction
Fancy some fish in the air fryer ? Honestly, who doesn't love crispy Fried Cod In Air Fryer ? Are you craving that chippy experience but don't want the guilt? Well, have I got a recipe for you!
Quick Hook
Do you remember those amazing fish and chips from your childhood holidays at the seaside? This recipe is a healthier, quicker version of that classic.
It’s all about that perfectly crispy, golden-brown deliciousness.
Brief Overview
This Crispy air fryer fish and chips recipe is inspired by good old British pub grub. It's super simple, hailing from my own craving, and ready in under 20 minutes! It serves two hungry people.
The best part? It's easy enough for anyone to make.
Main Benefits
Okay, so besides tasting amazing, this recipe is much healthier than deep-fried fish. Baking it means fewer calories and less fat, but the same amazing crispiness.
This recipe of Cook Fish In Air Fryer is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Honestly, it’s the perfect way to get your Air Fryer Fish Fry fix, with Healthy air fryer fish recipes .
What makes it special? Its simplicity! No fancy ingredients. Just great taste. Trust me, even if you just have Air fryer haddock recipe or Air fryer tilapia you can use this recipe! The key is to get it crispy without drying it out.
Now, let's talk ingredients. It's simple!
Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Fish Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Air Fryer Fish
So, you fancy making fish in the air fryer ? Great choice! It's proper simple and tastes amazing. Here's what you'll need.
Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. I once tried making this with frozen fish fingers (don't ask!), and, well, let's just say it didn't turn out quite like this crispy air fryer fish and chips recipe.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Fishy!
- Cod Fillets: 2, about 6-8 ounces (170-225g) each. Go for nice, thick, skinless fillets. Fresh is best, you know? If they smell super fishy, they're past it. That's a no-no!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . A good quality olive oil makes a difference.
- Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) garlic powder. Seasoning is essential, don't be shy!
- Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour.
- Egg: 1 large, beaten.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (25g) . Panko is key for that amazing crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 tablespoon (7g) grated (optional, but highly recommended!). I reckon parmesan makes all the difference.
- Serving: Lemon wedges, Tartar Sauce. Nothing beats a good sauce!
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs Away!
This recipe is all about simplicity. But a few spices will make the difference. The paprika gives it a lovely colour.
Garlic powder is non negotiable. For a bit of kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the breadcrumbs works wonders.
I tried using smoked paprika once, and it gave the air fryer fish fry a lovely depth. If you're out of garlic powder, a tiny bit of minced garlic will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
- Air Fryer: Obvs! An air fryer is the star. Any model will do really. Just make sure it's big enough for your battered cod air fryer .
- Shallow Bowls: For the breading station. Plates work too if you haven't got bowls.
- Kitchen Tongs: Essential for flipping the fried cod in air fryer and getting it out without burning yourself.
- Meat Thermometer: Totally optional, but if you're worried about cook fish in air fryer through, use a thermometer. 145° F ( 63° C) is your magic number.
Honestly, that's all you need! No fancy equipment, just simple ingredients and a bit of know-how. You'll be chowing down on some proper healthy air fryer fish recipes in no time.
And who knows? Maybe you'll even prefer it to traditional fish and chips! You could easily replace the cod with air fryer tilapia or even try an air fryer haddock recipe .
And for a zesty twist, don't forget the air fryer fish with lemon !

Cooking Method: Air Frying Fish to Perfection!
Honestly, who doesn't love crispy fish and chips ? But deep frying? Nah, too much hassle and way too much oil.
That's where fish in the air fryer comes to the rescue. It's like magic, I tell you. You get all the crunch without all the guilt! Think of Fried Cod In Air Fryer with a fraction of calories.
I mean, who wouldn't love that?
Prep Steps to Set You Up for Success
First things first: mise en place, darling! It sounds fancy, but it just means "everything in its place." Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels.
Seriously, don't skip this. It's key for crispy air fryer fish and chips . Get your flour, egg, and breadcrumbs ready.
Remember that a bit of oil will help with crispiness!
Got your cod? Let’s season it! Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This Cod Cooked In Air Fryer is already smelling delicious, right? Safety-wise, just remember to wash your hands after handling raw fish.
Common sense, but worth mentioning.
Step-by-Step Process: Air Frying Magic
Alright, here's how to turn your fish into battered cod air fryer perfection:
- Dredge your cod fillets in flour.
- Dip them in the beaten egg.
- Coat them generously with panko breadcrumbs (add some parmesan for extra flavor if you are feeling fancy).
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) (if your model requires it).
- Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't crammed.
- Air fry for 10- 12 minutes , flipping halfway.
You're looking for that golden-brown, crispy perfection . The internal temperature should reach 145° F ( 63° C) . Use a thermometer to be sure!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Air Fryer Fish Game
Want cook fish in air fryer like a pro? Here's a couple of secrets: Make sure you dont overcrowd, because Air Fryer Fish Fry needs to circulate! And you should spray with oil the fillets for maximum crispiness!
The most common mistake? Overcooking! Nobody likes dry fish. Keep a close eye on it.
As for make-ahead? You can bread the fish ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you're ready to air fryer haddock recipe .
Don't forget the air fryer tilapia options if cod isn't your thing! And remember, it is so much easier than deep frying! Give it a try! You won't regret it! The other day, I even tried a healthy air fryer fish recipes version with just a spritz of olive oil.
It was still delicious. And don't forget the lemon! a bit of air fryer fish with lemon will do wonders!
Recipe Notes for the Best Air Fryer Fish
Right, let's talk about making the perfect fish in the air fryer . Honestly, this is where the magic happens. These little tips will elevate your fried cod in air fryer game from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!".
Trust me, I've had my fair share of air fryer disasters, so I'm sharing my hard-earned wisdom. This cod cooked in air fryer recipe is not just about getting food on the table, it's about making something you'll actually enjoy.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Fish Fry
Okay, so you've got this gorgeous air fryer fish fry . Now what? Presentation is key! I like to plate my battered cod air fryer on a bed of rocket with a generous squeeze of lemon.
And don't forget the chips! Crispy air fryer fish and chips is a classic for a reason. A dollop of tartar sauce is non-negotiable, in my humble opinion.
For a healthier vibe, try some steamed green beans or a fresh salad. Thirsty? A cold beer or a glass of crisp white wine pairs perfectly.
Storage Tips: Keep That Fish Fresh
Life happens, right? Maybe you've got leftovers. No worries! Let your cook fish in air fryer cool completely before storing.
Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for up to 2 days. Freezing isn't really recommended, as the texture can change.
To reheat, just pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. You can enjoy healthy air fryer fish recipes tomorrow too.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Want to mix things up a bit? Of course you do! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Easy peasy. Want some spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix. Boom! As for seasonal swaps, in the winter, you can use root vegetables with this great air fryer haddock recipe .
I have great success, you can also use air fryer tilapia , because it's a lighter white fish.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good About Your Fish
Let's get real. This air fryer fish with lemon is about 350 calories per serving. You are getting roughly 35g of protein, 15g of fat, and 15g of carbs.
Air frying is way healthier than deep frying, so you can enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer fish (ready in under 20!) without the guilt.
Cod is packed with protein and essential nutrients, so you're doing your body a favour too!
So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make the perfect fish in the air fryer . Now, get in the kitchen and give it a go! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for this fish in the air fryer recipe?
You sure can! Just make sure the fish is fully thawed and patted completely dry with paper towels before breading. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fish. You might also need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure it's cooked through, so keep an eye on it like you would your cuppa brewing!
Help! My breading keeps falling off. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded breading dilemma! First, make sure the fish is nice and dry before you start. Then, be sure to really press the breadcrumbs onto the fish so they stick like glue. A little tip from Mum: letting the breaded fish rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes before air frying helps the breading adhere even better, like a proper fish supper should.
How do I store leftover air fryer fish, and how long will it last?
Pop any leftover air fryer fish in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It'll be good for up to 2-3 days. Reheating it in the air fryer is your best bet for maintaining some crispiness, but a quick zap in the microwave will also do the trick if you're in a hurry. Just be aware it won't be quite as crispy, mind!
Is air fryer fish a healthy option?
Absolutely! Compared to deep-fried fish and chips, air fryer fish is a much healthier alternative. You're using significantly less oil, which means fewer calories and less fat. Plus, fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so you can enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal. It’s a win-win, a bit like finding a tenner in your old coat pocket!
Can I vary the seasonings for this fish in the air fryer recipe?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Try adding some Old Bay seasoning for a bit of a kick, or some Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist. A little lemon pepper is always a winner, too. It's your kitchen, your rules, just like choosing the perfect pint at the pub!
What temperature should my air fryer be set to for cooking fish?
For most air fryers, 400°F (200°C) works a treat for achieving that golden-brown, crispy perfection. However, air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on it and adjust the temperature slightly if needed. You're aiming for that sweet spot where the fish is cooked through and the outside is beautifully crisp – like a perfectly cooked Sunday roast!