Air Fryer Fish Recipes: Crispy, Delicious, and Easy

Honestly, my air fryer has become a kitchen superstar. It cranks out crispy, golden-brown treats with minimal fuss, and it's an absolute dream for cooking fish.

Fish used to be a bit intimidating, especially frying it. I worried about hot oil splattering and the messy cleanup. But the air fryer changed everything. It's incredibly easy to use, needs hardly any oil, and consistently delivers fantastic results.

For the last few months, I've been experimenting with all sorts of air fryer fish recipes, from simple pan-fried fillets to more elaborate dishes with flavourful marinades and toppings. I've discovered some real gems, and I’m excited to share them with you.

This article is packed with my favourite air fryer fish recipes, along with tips and tricks to help you create restaurant-quality meals at home. We'll explore everything from basic preparation to advanced flavour combinations, so whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, there's something for everyone.

(Part 1) The Magic of Air Frying Fish

You might be thinking, "Air frying? Isn't that just fancy baking?" It's not quite the same. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, creating a crispy exterior without drowning it in oil. That means you get the incredible flavour of deep-fried fish without the guilt and the greasy mess.

Why I Love Air Frying Fish

I absolutely adore cooking fish in my air fryer. Here's why:

• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer produces the most incredible crispy skin on fish. It's a joy to bite into that perfectly golden crust.
• No Splattering Oil: Say goodbye to messy stovetops and burnt fingers. Air frying is a clean and hassle-free way to cook fish.
• Less Oil: Air fryers require minimal oil, making it a healthier option compared to deep frying. You can even skip the oil entirely for some recipes.
• Even Cooking: The hot air circulates evenly, ensuring that your fish cooks through and through without any dry or overcooked parts.
• Quick and Easy: Air fryers cook fish remarkably fast, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.

(Part 2) Basic Air Fryer Fish Prep

Before you dive into any recipes, let's go over the basic preparation steps that will ensure your fish turns out perfectly cooked and delicious.

Choosing the Right Fish

First, you need to select the right fish. For air frying, I recommend firm-fleshed fish that hold their shape well during cooking. Here are some great choices:

• Cod: A classic air fryer fish option, cod is mild, flaky, and cooks quickly.
• Haddock: Similar to cod in texture and flavour, haddock is another excellent choice for air frying.
• Salmon: For a richer flavour, try salmon. Its fat content helps keep it moist during cooking.
• Tilapia: A versatile and affordable option, tilapia cooks quickly and is great for simple air fryer recipes.
• Swordfish: For a more robust flavour, swordfish is a great choice. Its firm texture holds up well during air frying.

Preparing Your Fish

Once you've chosen your fish, it's time to prepare it for the air fryer. Here's what I do:

• Pat it Dry: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the skin get crispy.
• Season it: Season the fish generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavour.
• Marinade it (optional): For a more complex flavour profile, marinate the fish in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.
• Coat it (optional): If you want a crispy coating, dredge the fish in breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or a seasoned flour mixture.

(Part 3) Easy Air Fryer Fish Recipes

Now, let's get to the good stuff - the recipes! I'll start with some simple and easy air fryer fish recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners or quick lunches.

1. Air Fryer Fish with Lemon and Herbs

This recipe is a classic for a reason. It's fast, easy, and packed with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Brush the fish fillets with the lemon-herb mixture.
4. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve immediately.

2. Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Who doesn't love fish and chips? This air fryer version is a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the deep-fried classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (cod, haddock, or haddock work well)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into chips
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the milk and olive oil.
3. Dip the fish fillets in the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through.
6. While the fish is cooking, toss the potato chips with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
7. Place the potato chips in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve the fish and chips immediately.

(Part 4) Air Fryer Fish with Flavourful Marinades

Let's take the flavour up a notch with some delicious marinades for your air fryer fish. Marinades infuse the fish with incredible flavour and also help keep it moist and tender.

3. Air Fryer Lemon-Garlic Fish

This marinade is a flavour explosion! The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs elevates even the simplest fish to a culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the fish from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
5. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve immediately.

4. Air Fryer Honey-Soy Glazed Fish

This sweet and savory glaze is a surefire way to impress your guests. It adds a beautiful sheen to the fish and a burst of flavour with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (salmon or swordfish work well)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the glaze over them.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove the fish from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
5. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve immediately.

(Part 5) Air Fryer Fish with Creative Toppings

Now, let's get creative! Toppings are a fantastic way to add another layer of flavour and texture to your air fryer fish.

5. Air Fryer Fish with Mango Salsa

This recipe is a taste of the tropics. The sweet and tangy mango salsa perfectly complements the delicate flavour of the fish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush the fish fillets with the lime mixture.
3. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. While the fish is cooking, prepare the mango salsa.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno pepper (if using).
7. Serve the fish topped with the mango salsa.

6. Air Fryer Fish with Avocado Cream Sauce

This creamy and flavourful sauce is perfect for those who love a touch of indulgence. It's simple to make and adds a luxurious touch to any air fryer fish dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (salmon or swordfish work well)
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve the fish topped with the avocado cream sauce.

(Part 6) Air Fryer Fish with Vegetables

For a complete and satisfying meal, pair your air fryer fish with some roasted vegetables. Air fryers are fantastic for cooking vegetables quickly and evenly, bringing out their natural sweetness and flavour.

7. Air Fryer Fish with Roasted Vegetables

This recipe is a simple and healthy meal that comes together in a flash. You can customize the vegetables to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and red bell pepper with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
4. While the vegetables are cooking, place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve the fish and roasted vegetables immediately.

(Part 7) Air Fryer Fish with Spices and Flavors

Now, let's explore some bolder flavours and spices to elevate your air fryer fish game.

8. Air Fryer Spicy Fish Tacos

These tacos are a taste explosion! The combination of spicy fish, fresh toppings, and creamy avocado sauce is simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush the fish fillets with the taco seasoning mixture.
3. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. While the fish is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a microwave or on a griddle.
6. To assemble the tacos, place a piece of cooked fish on each tortilla.
7. Top with mashed avocado, sour cream, cilantro, cheddar cheese, red onion, and diced tomatoes.
8. Serve immediately.

9. Air Fryer Fish with Asian-Inspired Glaze

This recipe is a fusion of flavours, combining the sweetness of honey with the savory notes of soy sauce and ginger. It's a real crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fish fillets (salmon or swordfish work well)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.
2. Brush the fish fillets with the glaze.
3. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve the fish topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

(Part 8) Tips and Tricks for Air Frying Fish

Now that you've got a few delicious air fryer fish recipes under your belt, let's discuss some tips and tricks to help you achieve perfect results every time.

1. Don't Overcrowd the Basket

The key to getting crispy fish in the air fryer is to make sure the fillets have enough space to cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the basket. If necessary, cook the fish in batches.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer ensures that the fish cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden-brown crust.

3. Flip the Fish Halfway Through

For thicker fish fillets, flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

4. Don't Overcook the Fish

Overcooked fish can become dry and tough. Use a fork to check for doneness. The fish should flake easily when it's done.

5. Experiment with Flavours

Don't be afraid to experiment with different marinades, spices, and toppings. The possibilities are endless.

(Part 9) Serving and Storing Air Fryer Fish

Now that you've cooked your delicious air fryer fish, let's talk about serving and storing it.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer fish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• As a main course: Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.
• In tacos or wraps: Use the fish in tacos, burritos, or wraps with your favorite toppings.
• On salads: Add flaked fish to salads for a boost of protein and flavour.
• In sandwiches: Create delicious fish sandwiches with your favourite bread, sauces, and toppings.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the fish in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.

(Part 10) FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about air frying fish:

1. Can I air fry frozen fish?

Yes, you can air fry frozen fish. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

2. What temperature should I air fry fish at?

The ideal temperature for air frying fish is 400°F (200°C).

3. How long does it take to air fry fish?

The cooking time for air fryer fish will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Most fish fillets will take 8-12 minutes to cook through.

4. Can I use any type of air fryer?

You can use any type of air fryer for cooking fish. However, some air fryers have larger baskets than others, so be sure to choose one that is big enough for the amount of fish you want to cook.

5. What are some other things I can air fry?

Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, chicken, shrimp, french fries, and even desserts!

(Part 11) Conclusion

I truly hope this article has inspired you to try air frying fish. It's an incredibly easy and rewarding way to cook this delicious and healthy protein. With a little practice, you'll be turning out restaurant-quality fish in your own kitchen in no time.

Go ahead, experiment with different flavours and techniques. You never know what delicious discoveries await you in the world of air fryer fish!