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Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets – Perfectly Golden, Every Time!

If you’re searching for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish, look no further than crispy air fryer fish fillets. This cooking method not only gives you the satisfying crunch you crave but also reduces the amount of oil used in the frying process. With a few simple techniques and spices, you can create perfectly golden fish fillets that will delight your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.

Why Choose Air Frying?

The air fryer has rapidly become a kitchen favourite, and for good reason. By circulating hot air around the food, it achieves that coveted crispy texture while using significantly less oil compared to conventional frying methods. This makes air frying a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy indulgent meals without the guilt.

Benefits of air frying fish include:

• Healthier Cooking: You can enjoy your favourite recipes with fewer calories and less fat.
• Quick Preparation: Air fryers often heat up faster than traditional ovens and cook more quickly.
• Versatility: From cod to salmon, you can use a variety of fish fillets, making it adaptable to your taste.

Choosing the Right Fish

When it comes to selecting the perfect fish for air frying, consider the following options:

• Cod: Mild and flaky, cod has a wonderful texture that flakes nicely when cooked.
• Haddock: A bit firmer than cod, haddock holds up well during cooking.
• Salmon: Rich and fatty, salmon becomes beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
• Tilapia: Light and mild, tilapia is easily paired with numerous seasonings.

Whichever variety you choose, make sure the fish is fresh for the best results.

Ingredients

For truly crispy air fryer fish fillets, you will need:

• 4 fish fillets (your choice of cod, haddock, salmon, or tilapia)
• 100g (1 cup) breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch works best)
• 50g (½ cup) plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Method

1. Prep the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with kitchen towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better.

2. Set Up the Breading Station: Place the plain flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.

3. Coat the Fillets: Start by dredging a fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated. Repeat this for all the fillets.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Fish: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated fish fillets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with oil to help achieve a golden colour.

6. Cook: Air fry for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach at least 63°C (145°F).

7. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the fish fillets from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. Serve them with a wedge of lemon and your favourite dipping sauce, such as tartar or a zesty aioli. Pair with a fresh salad or chunky chips for a well-rounded meal.

Final Thoughts

Crispy air fryer fish fillets are a delightful dish that marries healthiness with indulgence. Once you master this simple recipe, you’ll find yourself experimenting with seasoning and sides, making it a versatile option for any occasion. So, pull out your air fryer and get ready to impress your family or guests with fish fillets that are perfectly golden, crispy, and utterly delicious!