Description
These Quick Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets offer a perfect combination of a golden, crunchy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside. Ready in under 20 minutes, this healthy and delicious recipe uses an air fryer for a lighter alternative to traditional frying, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or snack time.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish Fillets
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, tilapia, or pollock), about 4-6 ounces each
Breading Station
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Additional
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove all excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and ensures the fillets crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with the flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder and paprika. This setup will make the breading process quick and efficient.
- Coat the Fish: Dredge each fillet first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing the extra to drip off. Finally, press the fillet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust from the start.
- Cook the Fish Fillets: Lightly spray each coated fillet with olive oil spray, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- Choose fish fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; allow space for hot air circulation.
- Always pat fish dry before breading to avoid sogginess.
- Use fresh panko or breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Flip fillets carefully halfway through to keep the coating intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (about 4-6 ounces)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg