Air Fryer Fish and Fries-How to Air Fry Fish

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Learn how to air fry fish with this delicious recipe. This air fryer fish and fries are the healthiest fried fish you can eat. Seasoned and battered and then cooked in the air fryer, they are quick, easy and so crispy!

Several breaded fish filets with fries on a white platter with lemon wedges.

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This air fryer fish recipe is the healthiest fried fish you can eat. Seasoned and battered and then cooked in the air fryer, they are quick, easy, and so crispy! Skip the hot oil and grease popping from the skillet, and enjoy this healthy fish dinner. You can check out all of my Air Fryer Recipes here!

why this recipe works

Fish and chips are made in minutes in the air fryer, crispy cod is coated in a seasoned panko bread crumb mixture and cooked to perfection. This is a quick and easy family-friendly weeknight meal. But if you prefer a classic fish dinner try my Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce.

Ingredients for this Air Fryer Fish Recipe

All the ingredients needed for air fryer fish and fries.

Ingredients notes

Cod fillets - or any other firm white fish such as haddock, tilapia, halibut, or even catfish.
Smoked paprika-Gives it a delicious smoky flavor but regular paprika can also be used.
Cayenne Pepper-optional but adds a nice little kick
All-Purpose Flour - or gluten-free flour for a healthier option
Eggs-Allows the breadcrumb mixture to stick to it.
Seasoned panko breadcrumbs-gives it a great crunch.
Old bay - or Slap Ya Momma spice mix
Grated parmesan cheese – use grated, not shredded.
French fries - choose your favorite pre-seasoned fries or sweet potato fries. Or make homemade french fries
Lemon wedges- Gives it that freshness at the end.
Tartar sauce - or homemade tartar sauce.

How to make air fryer fish and fries

Flour mixture in one bowl with a piece of fish. Whisked eggs in another bowl with the floured fish in it. Panko breading in another bowl with egg covered fish in it.

Three process photos. Firts one, breaded fish placed into an air fryer basket. Second one, fish has been air fried. Third one, fries have been added to the basket.

Step 1: Prep the air fryer. First, spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Then preheat your air fryer to 400℉
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients. Combine the flour, and spices in a bowl.
Step 3: Beat the egg. Next, in another bowl, whisk and beat your egg well.
Step 4: Mix the bread crumbs. Then, in another dish mix together the Panko breading and Old Bay seasoning.
Step 5: Coat the fish filets. After you’ve blended the ingredients, begin dipping the fish first in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and then in the Panko mixture. Coat all sides.
Step 6: Place fish in the air fryer. Place the breaded cod in the air-fryer basket. Then, place the basket in the air fryer. Give it a quick spray with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 7: Air Fry it. Finally, fry your fish, then, flip the fish, spray with cooking spray and let them fry again.
Step 8: Remove from the air fryer. Remove your fish from the air fryer and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

A close up photo of a wooden spatula picking up a breaded fish filet.

recipe tips

Fish is the same size try and make your fish the same size for even cooking.
Press panko firmly. You want to press the Panko firmly onto your fish so that it coats well.
Preheat the air fryer if you don't preheat it can cook the fish unevenly.
Don't overcrowd the basket You don't want the breaded fish to be touching.
Make homemade tartar sauce. Here is a great recipe!

A bite of fish on a fork being dipped into tarter sauce.

Recipe faq's

What is an air fryer?

It's basically a mini convection oven that uses hot air to cook and a total game changer. It matches the taste and crispy texture to your favorite fried foods without the fat and extra calories from deep frying. I use the Corsi Air Fryer from Amazon.

What kind of fish can you make in an air fryer?

Air-fried fish is delicious in an air fryer. This recipe will work with cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, and salmon. My Air Fryer Salmon is another easy weeknight dinner recipe to try!

Is air fryer fish healthy?

In most cases, air fryer fish recipes are healthier than deep-frying it in oil. This is because air frying cuts the calories by 70% and has much less fat since you don’t need oil to cook the fish.

Can I cook frozen fish in the air fryer?

I don't recommend it for this recipe the bread crumbs will have a much harder time sticking to the fish if it's frozen. You can thaw fish pretty quickly by just placing it in a ziplock baggie and placing it in a cold water bath.

How to store leftovers

Leftover fries are never very good. If you have leftovers, just throw them out. However, you can store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You will need to place it in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes to get crispy fish.

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Yield: 4

Air Fryer Fish And Fries

This air fryer fish and fries are the healthiest fried fish you can eat. Seasoned and battered and then cooked in the air fryer, they are quick, easy, and so crispy!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds cod, cut into 4-6 pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper-optional
3/4 cup flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned Panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
1/2 cup grated parmesan
32 ouce bag Frozen Fries
Lemon Wedges
Tarter Sauce

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer
Add the frozen french fries and fry at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Remove the fries and set them aside.
In a shallow dish combine the flour, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
In another shallow bowl add the egg and beat well.
In a separate shallow dish add the panko and old bay seasoning, and parmesan cheese, and mix until combined.
Dip the fish in the flour, then the egg, then the panko. Coat all the sides.
Spray your air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray.
Place the coated fish in the pre-sprayed air fryer basket. Place the basket in the air fryer. Spray the top with nonstick cooking spray.
Fry at 400° for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, gently flip, spray with nonstick cooking spray and fry for another 5-7 minutes.
Remove the fish from the air fryer and set it aside.
Add the fries back into the fryer and fry another 5 minutes to crisp them up
Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Enjoy!

Notes

Any firm white fish such as haddock, tilapia, halibut, or even catfish will work.

Try and make your fish the same size for even cooking.

Press panko firmly you want to press the Panko firmly onto your fish so that it coats well.

Don't overcrowd the basket you don't want the breaded fish to be touching.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 425Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 97mgSodium 845mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 4gSugar 3gProtein 41g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on butteryourbiscuit.com should only be used as a general guideline.