Air Fryer Fish Fillets are a modern kitchen favourite—offering that irresistible crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. This recipe is perfect for those who want a fast, nutritious meal that’s family-friendly and full of flavour.
Gone are the days of greasy pans and splattering oil. With just a few ingredients and your air fryer, you can create a dish that’s flaky on the inside and crisp on the outside—with 80% less fat than traditional frying!
🛒 Ingredients – What You’ll Need
For the Fish:
- 500g white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, basa, haddock, or pollock)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Coating:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko (for extra crunch)
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional for flavour)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
Spray:
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Fish Fillets – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Fish
- Rinse and pat dry the fish fillets.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Let marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the coating.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Place flour in one bowl.
- Beat the egg in another bowl.
- Mix breadcrumbs and parmesan in a third bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Fish
- Dredge each fillet in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumb mix.
- Press lightly to ensure an even coating.
Step 4: Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with spray oil.
- Place the fillets in a single layer (do not overlap).
- Spray the top of the fish with a light coat of oil.
⏱ Cooking Time:
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The fish is done when golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
🐠 Best Types of Fish for Air Frying
Choose firm, flaky white fish fillets that hold their shape well. Some great options include:
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Basa
- Haddock
- Pollock
- Halibut
Avoid very oily fish like sardines or fish with delicate textures.
🧠 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fish
- Preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd – leave space between fillets.
- Flip halfway through cooking for uniform crispiness.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Spray with minimal oil to avoid sogginess.
💡 Why Cook Fish in an Air Fryer?
- ✅ Healthier – Uses little to no oil
- ✅ Faster – Ready in under 15 minutes
- ✅ Cleaner – No splatter, no greasy pans
- ✅ Crispy Texture – Just like fried, minus the guilt
⚡ Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing:
- Let leftover fish cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 4–5 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving—it makes the coating soggy.
🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutrition varies based on fish type and breadcrumb choice.
