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Crispy Air Fryer Fish Recipe

  • Author: Sophia

Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • White Fish Fillets: 1 to 1.5 lbs (about 450-680g), cut into portions (e.g., 4 x 4-6 oz fillets). Choose firm white fish that holds up well to cooking. Excellent choices include:

    • Cod (classic choice, flaky)

    • Haddock (similar to cod, slightly sweeter)

    • Tilapia (mild, readily available, often thinner fillets)

    • Pollock (budget-friendly, mild)

    • Mahi-Mahi (firmer texture)

    • Grouper or Snapper (thicker, firmer options)

    • Ensure fillets are roughly similar thickness for even cooking. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.

For the Breading Station:

  • All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup. This first layer helps the egg wash adhere to the fish.

  • Large Eggs: 2. Beaten well to create the egg wash binder.

  • Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 ½ cups. Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are lighter, airier, and absorb less oil, resulting in a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. This is key for air fryer crispiness.

  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (optional, but recommended). Mixing this with the flour or panko adds extra crispiness to the coating.

  • Seasonings (to mix with Flour or Panko):

    • Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste, consider if fish is brined)

    • Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground

    • Paprika: 1 teaspoon (adds colour and mild flavour; smoked paprika adds a nice dimension)

    • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon

    • Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon

    • Optional: Old Bay seasoning (classic fish pairing), cayenne pepper (for heat), dried dill, or lemon pepper.

For Air Frying:

  • Oil Spray: Avocado oil, olive oil, or another high-smoke point oil spray is crucial. This helps the breading crisp up and achieve that golden-brown colour without needing much oil. A propellant-free oil mister is ideal for air fryers.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: If your fish fillets are large, cut them into serving-sized portions (e.g., 3-4 inches wide). Ensure they are roughly the same thickness for even cooking. Crucially, pat each fillet completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the breading stick better and promotes maximum crispiness. Season the fish fillets lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.

  2. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes or plates side-by-side.

    • Dish 1 (Flour): Combine the all-purpose flour with about half of the seasonings (e.g., ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder) and the optional cornstarch (if adding it here). Whisk to combine.

    • Dish 2 (Egg): Crack the eggs into the second dish and beat them well with a fork or whisk.

    • Dish 3 (Panko): Combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining seasonings (e.g., ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder). Mix well. (Alternatively, add the cornstarch to the panko mixture instead of the flour for extra crunch).

  3. Bread the Fish: Working with one fillet at a time, follow this dredging process:

    • Flour First: Lightly dredge the fish fillet in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.

    • Egg Second: Dip the flour-coated fillet into the beaten egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Ensure the entire surface is coated in egg.

    • Panko Last: Press the egg-coated fillet firmly into the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides thoroughly. Gently press the panko onto the fish to help it adhere well. Place the breaded fillet onto a clean plate or wire rack. Repeat with all remaining fish fillets.

  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the fish starts cooking immediately upon entry, which helps set the crust quickly for better crispiness.

  5. Prepare for Air Frying: Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with your chosen oil spray.

  6. Arrange Fish in Basket: Carefully place the breaded fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around each fillet for it to get crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.

  7. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded fish fillets with the oil spray. This is essential for achieving a golden-brown, crispy crust, mimicking the effect of deep-frying without submerging in oil.

  8. Air Fry – First Side: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets and your specific air fryer model.

  9. Flip and Continue Air Frying: Carefully open the air fryer basket. Using tongs or a thin spatula, gently flip each fish fillet over. Spray the second side lightly with oil spray. Continue to air fry for another 4-7 minutes.

  10. Check for Doneness: The fish is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer, the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Thinner fillets (like tilapia) might only need 8-10 minutes total, while thicker fillets (like cod or mahi-mahi) might need 12-15 minutes total.

  11. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, carefully remove the crispy fish fillets from the air fryer basket. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 250 - 400

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Find it online: https://vintagecooks.com/crispy-air-fryer-fish-recipe/