This breaded fish in the air fryer cooks up crisp and delicious. Coated in a light, flavorful breadcrumb crust, the fillets stay tender and flaky inside, with a beautifully crunchy exterior. Ready in just 20 minutes!
It’s an excellent way to make breaded fish with very little oil, for an easy, lighter, guilt-free meal to enjoy any day of the week.
I’ve seen plenty of recipes that recommend spraying oil onto the breading before cooking. Personally, I’ve found that it often makes the breading lift off. Instead, I simply use a tablespoon of oil to coat the fish evenly.
What kind of fish can you cook in an air fryer?
This air fryer fish recipe works with all kinds of fillets! You can use cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or even salmon.
How to thaw fish
The best way to thaw fish is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Otherwise, if the fillet isn’t too thick, you can immerse it in ice water at room temperature for about an hour, until thawed.
Tips for perfect air fryer breaded fish
You can use fresh fish fillets or fully thawed frozen fillets. The fillets shouldn’t be too thin, as very thin pieces aren’t suitable for this recipe.
Be careful not to overcrowd your air fryer basket, or the fish won’t crisp up properly.
Cooking time can vary depending on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as the model of your air fryer. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 fillets fish about 25 g each
- 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 25 g dry breadcrumbs
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
For serving
- tartar sauce
- lemon wedges
Instructions
- Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.4 fillets fish, 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and spices.25 g dry breadcrumbs, 0.25 teaspoon paprika, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, 1 pinch black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon onion powder, 0.25 teaspoon salt
- Coat each fish fillet in the breadcrumb mixture, then place the fillets in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 200°C for 12 to 15 minutes.
- After 8 to 10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the fish fillets, then continue cooking.
- Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.tartar sauce, lemon wedges
