Crispy Air Fryer Fish Better Than the Chippy

Recipe Introduction: Crispy Fish in Air Fryer – Sorted!
Fancy a proper chippy tea, but without the guilt? Cook Fish In Air Fryer is the answer. Honestly, I used to think you needed a deep fryer for truly great fish.
I was so wrong! This recipe is a total game changer. It's quick, easy, and makes unbelievably crispy fish.
This recipe is inspired by the classic British Fish and Chips . It's a super easy dinner to whip up. It only takes about 30 minutes.
This recipe will make two servings. It's great for a quick weeknight meal.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Fish
The best thing about it? It's healthier! Using an air fryer cuts down on the oil, making it a Healthy Air Fryer Fish Recipe .
Think flaky, tender fish with a golden, crispy coating. Serve it with a side salad or some homemade chips for a fantastic Easy Air Fryer Fish Dinner .
It's special because it feels like a treat but is actually pretty good for you.
What Makes This Air Fryer Fish Amazing
Air Fryer Recipes Fish are all the rage, and this one's a winner. It’s simple. It is quick. And it nails that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. I'm talking seriously good.
How To Air Fry Fish might seem daunting, but trust me, it's dead easy! We're using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and a simple breading method.
It's way easier than you think. Let's get started!
Let's Talk Fish (And What You'll Need)
You'll need some white fish fillets. Cod, haddock, or pollack are all great choices. Panko breadcrumbs are essential for that perfect crunch.
A few other bits and bobs. You can even adapt it to be an Air Fryer Cod Recipe if you're feeling fancy!
Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Air Fryer Fish
Okay, let's get this sorted! You want proper fish in air fryer , right? Not some soggy, sad excuse for dinner! Getting the right ingredients and gear is half the battle.
Trust me; I've had my fair share of kitchen fails. Let's avoid them together, shall we?
Main Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia (or Cod!)
- White Fish Fillets: 2 fillets, about 6 oz / 170g each. Aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Cod, haddock, or even tilapia work a treat. Quality matters here! You want firm, pearly white flesh, not anything that looks a bit sad around the edges.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the fish, plus 1 tablespoon (15ml) for drizzling later. Good quality olive oil makes a difference to your healthy air fryer fish recipe , honestly.
- Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is always best, innit?
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) , seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Honestly, don't skip the seasoning! It makes a difference.
- Egg: 1 large egg, beaten. Give it a good whisk!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (80g) . Now, this is important. Panko are Japanese breadcrumbs, and they're the secret to proper Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia . They're light and crunchy, unlike regular breadcrumbs. I think that Air Fryer Fish with Panko breadcrumbs brings that ultimate texture.
Seasoning Notes - Get Your Flavour On!
For the cook fish in air fryer , you can use simple seasonings, but feel free to experiment! A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness.
I usually add a pinch of dried dill or parsley to the panko for a bit of herby goodness. Remember, a tasty seasoning is what makes our air fryer recipes fish shine.
Garlic powder and onion powder are your friends too. Okay, I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple, Stupid!
- Air Fryer: Obvious, innit? It doesn't matter fancy, but it does need to get up to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Shallow Bowls/Plates: 3 for your breading station. Pie plates work great.
- Kitchen Tongs: Essential for flipping the fish without making a mess.
- Instant Read Thermometer: Not essential, but highly recommended. You want your fish to reach an internal temp of 145° F/ 63° C for proper how to air fry fish . No one wants raw fish! And remember, avoid overcrowding your Air Fryer . I've also found that a non-stick cooking spray or brush with olive oil to make sure it doesn't stick to the Air Fryer.
That's all there is to it! With these ingredients and tools, you're well on your way to creating some seriously delicious fish cooked in air fryer . Get cracking!
Cooking Method: Crispy Fish in Air Fryer (Better Than the Chippy!)
Okay, let's get this sorted. Forget the greasy takeaway tonight. This recipe is about to become your new favourite. Fancy some Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe , but without the guilt? I got you!
Prep Steps: The Essential Bits
First, mise en place is key! Grab those 2 (6 oz / 170g) white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollack work brilliantly).
Pat them DRY with paper towels. Seriously, this is essential for crispy Air Fryer Recipes Fish . Get your 3 shallow bowls or plates ready for breading.
For time saving, I like to season my flour ( 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour ) ahead of time. This also makes it Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia .
step-by-step: From Flop to Fab
Here's how you can Cook Fish In Air Fryer :
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil over the fish. Season with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper .
- Flour power! Dredge each fillet in seasoned flour. Shake off the excess.
- Dip into 1 large egg , beaten. Let the extra drip off.
- Coat in 1 cup (80g) panko breadcrumbs . Press lightly so they stick.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) , Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place fillets in the basket, not touching. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil .
- Air fry for 12- 15 minutes , flipping halfway. Aim for an internal temp of 145° F/ 63° C .
Pro Tips: Become a Fish Frying Pro
Want that proper chippy vibe? Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches. It's how to How To Air Fry Fish right.
A common mistake is not drying the fish. This equals soggy fish. Yuck! Also, Air Fryer Cod Recipe works perfectly with this.
Got leftovers? Honestly, Fish Cooked In Air Fryer is best fresh. It's not bad the next day, but nowhere near as good.
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Air Fryer Fish
So, you're ready to cook fish in air fryer ? Ace! Before you dive in, let's run through a few notes to make sure your fish in air fryer is a winner.
I’m sharing my fails and wins to make it super easy for you. Honestly, I've made a few fishy mistakes myself, so learn from my experience, yeah?
Fab Fish Presentation
Want to make your dinner look chef's kiss ? Plating is easy! Serve your crispy air fryer tilapia on a bed of lettuce.
Add a lemon wedge for a pop of colour and flavour. Chips, mushy peas, and a side of tartar sauce gives you that classic air fryer fish and chips recipe vibe.
For drinks? A fizzy lemonade is perfect!
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? No worries, store the fried fish cooked in air fryer in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for up to 2 days.
Don’t freeze it. Reheat how to air fry fish , in the air fryer at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 5 minutes.
It's that simple!
Mixing it Up
Want to keep it light? Use gluten-free flour and panko for a healthy air fryer fish recipe . Got some fresh dill? Chop it up and add it to the breadcrumbs.
Or, try swapping cod for haddock. Both work brilliantly. You can also experiment with other fish like snapper and grouper.
Nutrition Lowdown
Each serving will give you roughly 450 calories. But it's packed with 40 grams of protein. It’s a great and easy air fryer fish dinner , right? Plus, fish is full of Omega-3s.
Those are great for your heart!
Okay, let's get this sorted. I know you’re gonna rock this air fryer cod recipe . Don't be scared to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! You’ll be making restaurant quality air fryer fish with panko in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for this fish in air fryer recipe?
While fresh fish is generally preferred for the best texture, you absolutely can use frozen fish! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before breading. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fish in the air fryer, so ensuring it's dry is key.
Think of it like preparing your favourite cuppa the right preparation makes all the difference!
How do I prevent the breading from falling off the fish in the air fryer?
Ah, the dreaded breading slippage! The secret is in the preparation. First, make sure the fish is really dry before you start. Then, use the classic flour egg-breadcrumb method, pressing the panko breadcrumbs firmly onto the fish.
A light drizzle of oil over the breaded fish before air frying also helps the breading adhere and crisp up nicely, just like getting a good sear on a Sunday roast.
What temperature and time should I air fry fish at?
For this recipe, we recommend air frying at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the fish. The fish is done when it's golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Always best to check, you wouldn't want it like a soggy bottom now, would you?
Can I make this fish in air fryer recipe ahead of time?
While this air fryer fish is best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness, you can prep it in advance. Bread the fish and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before air frying. Just make sure to keep it covered tightly.
Think of it like prepping your ingredients for a full English you can get everything ready, but the eggs are always best freshly cooked!
Is air fryer fish healthy?
Absolutely! Air frying is a much healthier alternative to deep frying. It uses significantly less oil, reducing the fat content while still achieving that delicious crispy texture. Plus, fish itself is a fantastic source of lean protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
It’s a win-win, just like finding a tenner in your old coat!
What's the best way to store leftover air fryer fish?
Store any leftover air fryer fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the fish will lose some of its crispness as it sits. To reheat, you can pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes to try and crisp it up again, or gently reheat in the oven.
Maybe not quite as good as fresh, but still a tasty second act a bit like a good rerun of 'Only Fools and Horses'!
Crispy Air Fryer Fish Better Than The Chippy

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 1g |