Air Fryer Crispy Fish Recipe
When I crave something crunchy but want to avoid the deep fryer and the greasiness that comes with it, I make these Air Fryer Crispy Fish fillets, which have an irresistibly crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior. The air fryer version keeps things easy and clean, with no hot oil splattering, and dinner is ready in just 20 minutes.
Thanks to the outstanding balance between flavor and texture, this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. I use the fillets to make sandwiches, serve them over rice, or make the traditional fish and chips plates. I even get to sneak in some veggie chips and crispy zucchini fries for the kids to make this meal more nutritious.
Table of contents
There is just something so satisfying about biting into a piece of crunchy and flavorful fish. This restaurant-worthy meal is effortless and guilt-free. The fish fillets are perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, dipped in a lemon mayo mixture, and tossed in cornmeal for extra crispiness. The perfectly air-fried golden crust is a big hit even with picky eaters, and the best part is that I feel good serving it to my family.
Why you will love this recipe
- No oil required: With my air fryer recipe, there’s no need for oil, making this a healthy and delicious fish option. If you are like me and pans with lots of shimmering oil scare you, then this recipe is for you.
- So easy to make: With just a few basic ingredients, I can have these fillets ready in less than 30 minutes. All you have to do is pat the fish dry, dip it in the mayo coating, toss it in seasoned cornmeal, and air-fry.
- No messy deep fryer: I love fried food, but I hate cleaning up the mess I make with the deep fryer. I can get crispy fish without the grease using this recipe.
- Use any fish: This versatile recipe is compatible with a wide range of fish. I use cod, but any white fish will do.
What you will need
- Fish: I like to use cod fillets, about ½ inch thick. They are a mild, tender, flaky fish that tastes delicious with any side dishes.
- Wet ingredients: I mix the mayo and lemon juice to dip the fillets in before coating them in the breadcrumbs. The mayo seals in moisture and adds creaminess while the lemon juice gives it a tangy and bright flavor.
- Dry ingredients: For the breading, I mix all-purpose flour with cornmeal. The flour helps it stick to the fish and keeps it moist, while the cornmeal makes it crispy. I also add my homemade Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season my fish.
How to make
Mix the dry ingredients: First, I pat each fish fillet dry with paper towels and set them aside before I whisk together the seasonings with the flour and cornmeal in a shallow bowl.
Mix the wet ingredients: Then, I whisk the lemon juice and mayo in another bowl. I coat the fish in the mayo mixture until they are completely covered.
Dip the fish: After, I dip each one into the flour mixture until they are covered, shaking off the excess. As I go, I place them in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving plenty of room in between.
Fry the fish: Now, I cook them for 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F, or until they are golden and crispy, flipping them after 5 minutes. I usually cook mine in batches, so they have plenty of room to breathe.
Expert tip
What kind of fish is best?
Any kind of mild, white fish that is about half an inch thick is perfect for this recipe. I like to use cod because it is firm and flaky. It does not fall apart when coated and handled, which is crucial for recipes like this one. It is the most commonly chosen fish for fried fish dishes. Haddock is another good choice for the same reason and has a very light flavor. Catfish is another good choice, but it is not flaky. Flounder is also good, but has a sweeter taste. Trout, tilapia, and mahi-mahi are also excellent choices.
More tips to consider:
- Get fish fillets about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- Try not to put the fish too close together, or they will steam instead of frying.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels before coating them.
- Also, shake off the excess breading before putting the fish in the air fryer.
- Thinner fish fillets (1/4 inch) should take six to eight minutes, and thicker fillets may take 10 to 12 minutes.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Spicy fish: To make this fish spicy, I like to add red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.
- Crack fish: Adding crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese to the coating makes this fish addictive.
- Beer batter: For beer-battered fish, I like to replace the lemon juice with my favorite beer.
- Cheesy crust: Add some Parmesan cheese to the coating for a cheesy crust. My kids love this. Just leave out the extra salt.
Serving suggestions:
Fish and chips are one of my family’s favorite meals, and it couldn’t be easier with this recipe! My air fryer potato chips or crispy air-fried potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to this fish. I usually serve my homemade coleslaw with it to make it a meal. The creamy and crunchy dish is also easy to make with just a few ingredients. This is one of my favorite summer picnic lunches.
Another way I like to serve these is on a bun with tartar sauce, similar to McDonald’s but better, or refreshing tzatziki sauce. These sandwiches pair well with chips, too, or you can serve them with crispy potato wedges or buttery boiled potatoes and macaroni salad. Crispy fish filets also go very well with my instant pot baked beans, you can make them from dry or canned beans. Take your pick.
How to store leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For best results, let them thaw completely before flash-freezing them on a baking pan for a few hours, then place them in freezer bags. They will last up to four months that way.
- Defrost: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor.
- Reheating: Reheating is best done in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for three to five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
First, ensure that you don’t overcrowd the basket. If it is too crowded, there is insufficient airflow, which causes items to stick together. Another problem could be that the air fryer basket or tray is losing its nonstick coating. I highly recommend using parchment paper. They sell parchment inserts, specially for air fryers that fit most baskets, and they are very inexpensive. Or nonstick spray will also work.
Yes. However, the fish must be completely thawed before using it. Then, pat them dry, and they will be just like fish fresh from the grocery store. Well, not really. But it is close enough. Some people argue that frozen fish are fresher because they are flash-frozen immediately, as opposed to fresh fish that sit around waiting to be sold.
Once again, it is probably because there is not enough room in the basket or tray. I cook mine in batches because if they are too close together, they do not have enough air circulating around them. That means they are not being cooked on the sides as they should be. The moisture causes them to steam rather than fry.
Make sure the fish fillets are dry before dipping them. Then, dip them into the mayo mixture, making sure it is completely covered. However, it should not be as thick as frosting. Just a thin layer is good. After that, press them into the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are completely covered. Shake them off to ensure it sticks. To ensure extra crispiness, let them sit for 15 minutes before cooking, and you will have crispy fish in no time.
More air fryer recipes:
Loved this recipe? I’d love to hear from you! 💛 Leave a 5-star rating ⭐️ in the recipe card below and share your thoughts in the comments – I read and appreciate every single one!
Let’s stay connected! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious, sweet and savory recipes. Have a question? Ask in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help! 😊 with love Catalina!
Air Fryer Crispy Fish
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. white fish fillets about 1/2-inch thick – I used cod
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice to a separate bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Add the fish fillets to the mayonnaise bowl and gently toss until they are completely covered.
- After that, dip each filet into the flour mixture until all sides are covered.
- Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Flip the filets after 5 minutes of cooking. Repeat with the remaining filets.
- Serve with lemon and tartar sauce.
Video
Notes
What kind of fish is best?
Any kind of mild, white fish that is about half an inch thick is perfect for this recipe. I like to use cod because it is firm and flaky. It does not fall apart when coated and handled, which is crucial for recipes like this one. It is the most commonly chosen fish for fried fish dishes. Haddock is another good choice for the same reason and has a very light flavor. Catfish is another good choice, but it is not flaky. Flounder is also good, but has a sweeter taste. Trout, tilapia, and mahi-mahi are also excellent choices.More tips to consider:
- Get fish fillets about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- Try not to put the fish too close together, or they will steam instead of frying.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels before coating them.
- Also, shake off the excess breading before putting the fish in the air fryer.
- Thinner fish fillets (1/4 inch) should take six to eight minutes, and thicker fillets may take 10 to 12 minutes.