Ingredients
- Fish Fillets – Think cod, haddock, or tilapia.
- Breadcrumbs – Panko for that unbeatable crunch.
- Eggs – They bind everything together.
- Flour – All-purpose or swap in gluten-free if that’s your thing.
- Seasonings – A dash of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lemon and Parsley – For that zesty finish.
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by patting your fish fillets dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, ensuring they get crispy. If you’re using frozen fillets, make sure they’re completely thawed first.
- Selecting the Right Fish: Opt for fillets that are about the same thickness. This ensures they cook evenly. Cod, haddock, or tilapia are great because they’re firm enough to hold up in the air fryer but delicate enough to stay tender inside.
- Seasoning the Fillets: Mix flour, a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place your breadcrumbs. Coat each fillet in flour, dip it in the egg, and then press it into the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Variety of Seasonings: Feel free to experiment here. For a simple taste, salt and pepper are just fine. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some lemon zest or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor. Marinades work well too, just make sure to pat the fillets dry before breading.
- Setting Up the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is crucial for getting that crispy exterior.
- Placing the Fillets: Place the breaded fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching; you might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. This space allows air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and crisping.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook the fillets for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time might vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the fillets. You’re aiming for a golden brown crust and a flaky interior.
- Why Temperature and Time Matter: The right temperature and time are key to achieving the perfect texture. Too low, and the fish won’t crisp up. Too long, and it could dry out. That’s why 400°F for about 10 minutes works well.
- Serving Ideas: Serve your fish fillets with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They go great with a side of tartar sauce, a fresh salad, or some crispy air-fried chips.
Notes
- Don’t skip preheating your air fryer; it makes a big difference in achieving that crispy texture.
- If you’re using a marinade, remember to pat the fillets dry before starting the breading process. This helps the coating stick better.
- For gluten-free or low-carb options, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air circulation is key to getting the fillets crispy all around.
- Always check the fillets at the halfway point to ensure they’re cooking evenly. Adjust the cooking time if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: Approximately 200-300 per fillet (varies by size and coating)
- Sugar: Minimal, dependent on seasoning used
- Sodium: Variable, adjust seasoning to taste
- Fat: Lower than traditional frying, specific amount depends on breading
- Saturated Fat: Minimal; using healthier oils in the breading can reduce this further
- Unsaturated Fat: Present in fish, beneficial for heart health
- Trans Fat: None, if using healthy oils and breadcrumbs
- Carbohydrates: Depends on the thickness of the breading; approximately 10-30g per serving
- Fiber: Minimal, unless using whole-grain breadcrumbs
- Protein: High, as fish is a great source of lean protein; 20-25g per fillet
- Cholesterol: Moderate, mainly from the egg in the breading; fish is a healthier protein choice
Keywords: Air Fry Fish Fillets