Air Fryer Fish Fillets
Air fryer fish fillets have a golden, crunchy panko coating and flaky white fish inside, ready in 10 minutes at 200°C with just a light spray of oil. The classic three-bowl method of flour, egg and breadcrumbs is quick to do, and it makes a lighter alternative to deep-fried fish. Serve with lemon, chips and a pot of tartare sauce.
- Total
- 28 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 13 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 350kcal
Before you start: air fryer fish fillets
Use a firm white fish such as cod or haddock, cut in fillets of roughly the same thickness so they cook together. Pat them as dry as you can, as wet fish turns the flour to paste and the coating slides off.
Keep one hand for the dry flour and crumbs and the other for the wet egg, otherwise your fingers end up coated in a thick layer of crumb. Panko gives the crunchiest finish, but only if it is lightly sprayed with oil.
How to cook air fryer fish fillets
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Set up the coating Pat the fillets dry with kitchen paper. Put the flour, salt and pepper in one shallow dish, beat the egg in a second dish, and mix the panko and paprika in a third.
- Coat the fish Dip each fillet in the flour and shake off the excess, then in the egg and let it drip. Press it firmly into the panko, covering both sides and the edges.
- Preheat and spray Heat the air fryer to 200°C for . Spray the basket and then spray both sides of each coated fillet generously, so there are no dry patches of crumb.
- Cook Lay the fillets in the basket in a single layer, without touching. Cook for , turn them carefully with a fish slice, then cook for another until the coating is golden.
- Check and serve The fish is ready when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily at the thickest part. Thicker fillets may need 2 more minutes. Serve straight away with lemon wedges, chips and tartare sauce.
What to serve with air fryer fish fillets
For a British plate, serve the fish with chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce and a wedge of lemon. A green salad and new potatoes make it lighter.
Cooked fillets also work inside a bun, as in a fish burger, or in warm tortillas with slaw, as in fish tacos with cod.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Fish Fillets
- The coating falls off in the basket.
- The fish was wet or the crumbs were not pressed on. Pat the fillets very dry before flouring, press the panko on firmly, and turn them gently with a fish slice.
- There are pale, powdery patches on the crumb.
- The oil spray missed those spots. Spray both sides of each fillet until the crumbs look evenly damp, and the panko will brown properly.
- The coating is golden but the fish is not cooked in the middle.
- The fillets were thicker than 2cm. Cook them for 2–3 minutes longer, and check the thickest part with a fork before serving.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Fish Fillets
How long do you cook fish fillets in the air fryer?
Ten minutes at 200°C, turned halfway, for coated fillets about 2cm thick. Thinner pieces need 8 minutes, and thicker ones 12.
Which fish is best for air fryer fillets?
Firm white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock or hake. They hold together under the coating and flake neatly.
Can I use ordinary breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, though the coating will be finer and less crunchy. Use dried breadcrumbs in the same amount and spray them well.
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Thaw them fully in the fridge overnight first, then pat them very dry before coating. Do not thaw fish at room temperature.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 45 ratings
