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The Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Walleye Recipe

Walleye, a favourite among anglers and seafood lovers alike, is known for its mild flavour and flaky texture. However, achieving that perfect crispy exterior can sometimes be a challenge, especially when using traditional frying methods. Enter the air fryer — a game-changer in contemporary cooking that allows you to enjoy the taste of fried fish with far less oil. Here, we present the ultimate crispy air fryer walleye recipe, ensuring a delicious and guilt-free meal that doesn’t skimp on flavour or crunch.

Ingredients

To serve 4, you will need:

• 4 walleye fillets (about 150g each)
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray (or a light mist of oil)

Optional for Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Walleye

Begin by preparing your walleye fillets. Pat them dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture, which will help the coating adhere better. Season the fish lightly with salt and pepper, setting the stage for a flavourful crust.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Next, organise your three bowls for the breading process:

1. Flour Mixture: In the first bowl, combine the plain flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Egg Wash: In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until they are fully blended.

3. Breadcrumbs: In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. If you prefer an extra crispy texture, panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended.

Step 3: Coat the Walleye

Dredge each walleye fillet in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the fillet into the egg wash, allowing any surplus to drip off. Finally, coat the fillet in the breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Repeat this process for each fillet.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). If your model requires preheating, this step is crucial to achieving that golden-brown crisp.

Step 5: Air Fry the Walleye

Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated walleye fillets in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd — you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with oil for that extra crunch.

Air fry the fillets for about 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. The walleye should reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and have a golden, crispy exterior when done.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the walleye from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a minute. Serve them hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a delightful finish.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Walleye

1. Don’t Skip the Drying Process: Removing moisture from the fillets ensures that the coating adheres better and results in a crispier texture.

2. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko provides a lighter and airier coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

3. Avoid Overcrowding: Cooking in batches may take a bit longer, but it allows for better air circulation, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy fillets.

4. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customise the seasoning in the flour and breadcrumbs to match your taste. Adding herbs like dill or thyme can elevate the dish further.

Conclusion

This ultimate crispy air fryer walleye recipe is a testament to how versatile and effective air frying can be, particularly for those who crave the taste of fried delicacies without the excess oil. With its easy preparation and delightful results, this dish is sure to become a favourite in your household. Serve it at your next dinner gathering or enjoy it on a casual weekday evening — either way, it’s bound to impress! Happy cooking!