These Air Fryer Fish Fillets are a delicious, crispy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried fish. Made with minimal oil and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re making fish sandwiches, tacos, or just serving them with a side of veggies, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Uses less oil than traditional frying.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes!
- Crispy & Flavorful: Perfectly golden crust with tender, flaky fish inside.
- Versatile: Works with various fish types and seasonings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Main Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, or your choice)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a keto option)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or coconut flour for low-carb)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Substitutions:
- Use gluten-free panko for a gluten-free version.
- Swap all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a keto-friendly alternative.
- Add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the breading stations:
- In one bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a second bowl, whisk egg and milk together.
- In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the fish fillets:
- Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture.
- Dip it into the egg mixture.
- Finally, coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Air fry the fish:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place fillets in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Spray the tops with a little oil for extra crispiness.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and sides.
Storage & Meal Prep:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked, breaded fillets for up to 3 months and air fry from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes.
Nutrition & Dietary Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Serving Suggestions & Topping Ideas
- Pair with coleslaw or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
- Use in fish tacos with shredded cabbage and lime crema.
- Add to a salad for a protein-packed meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes! Thaw the fillets completely and pat dry before breading to ensure crispiness.
2. How do I prevent soggy fish?
Make sure to preheat the air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket.
3. What’s the best fish to use?
Mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock works best, but salmon or mahi-mahi also work great.
4. Can I make this recipe without breading?
Yes! Simply season the fish and air fry for 8-10 minutes for a low-carb, breading-free version.
5. How do I make it extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray the fillets with oil before cooking.
Enjoy these crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets, a quick and healthy meal for any day of the week!
