I love using my air fryer for quick and healthy dinner options, like air fryer fish. This remarkable kitchen appliance can transform ordinary fish fillets into crispy, golden perfection without the need for excessive oil or the hassle of deep frying.
Here’s how to make restaurant-quality air fryer fish that your whole family will love.
You can use this basic recipe to make all kinds of air fryer fish and adjust the cook time slightly for thicker cuts. I most often make air fryer tilapia with this recipe.
Related: Next up, make Air Fryer Salmon—so good!
Ingredients
- Fish fillets – I usually use tilapia
- Olive oil
- Italian bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper
If you can’t find Italian bread crumbs, simple mix 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. You can add other spices (like cayenne) to add more flavor or heat.
Directions
Begin by patting the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential, as it helps the coating adhere better to the fish. Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
Coat the filets in a thin layer of oil and then gently press into the bread crumbs. Do this on both sides so the entire fillet is well coated.
Brush the air fryer grate with a little oil. Place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through, gently flip the fish fillets to ensure they don’t stick and all sides get cooked well.
Serve warm with a fresh lemon wedge.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Fish
- Mushy Peas – easy and flavorful!
- Air Fryer French Fries – or try Oven Baked French Fries
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Asparagus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an air fryer good for fish?
Yes! Air fryers can make excellent breaded fish fillets as well as unbranded fish like salmon.
How do you keep fish from sticking in the air fryer?
Brush the inside of the air fryer basket with oil before cooking or line the basket with parchment paper before cooking the fish.
How long does fish cook in the air fryer?
Breaded fish fillets, like tilapia, will cook in 15 minutes or less.
With just a few simple steps, your air fryer can transform fish fillets into a crispy delight that will have you craving more. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Fish
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fish fillets like tilapia
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup bread crumbs Italian
- salt and pepper
Instructions
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Begin by patting the filets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential, as it helps the coating adhere better to the fish.
-
Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
-
Coat the filets in a thin layer of oil and then gently press into the bread crumbs. Do this on both sides so the entire fillet is well coated.
-
Brush the air fryer grate with a little oil.
-
Place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
-
Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through, gently flip the fish fillets to ensure they don’t stick and all sides get cooked well.
-
Serve warm with a fresh lemon wedge.
Notes
- If you are using frozen fish fillets, make sure to thaw completely before following this recipe.
- If you can’t find Italian bread crumbs, simply mix 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. You can add other spices, like cayenne, to add more flavor or heat.