Menu
by The Team
What other cooking methods can bring ‘crispy’ and ‘healthy’ in one sentence?
There’s something undeniably satisfying about the aroma of freshly cooked fish filling the kitchen. The sizzle, the crispiness and the tenderness—it’s a blend of flavours that makes every seafood lover’s heart skip a beat.
If you’re wondering how to create a super-easy yet delicious and healthy fish dish, then listen up. In this guide, we’ll explore how to cook fish in an air fryer. Whether you’re preparing a healthy fish dinner at home or entertaining guests, air-fried fish is a versatile option that will leave everyone craving for more.
Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulation to cook food, similar to convection ovens. It involves placing food items in a basket or tray inside an appliance called an air fryer.
The air fryer then circulates hot air at high speeds around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while cooking the interior. This method usually requires much less oil than traditional deep frying, offering a healthier way to get that similar crisp texture and taste without excess oil.
Air frying fish is simple and versatile. The best choices are flat white fish varieties, which we’ve listed below. Their light, flaky texture is excellent for absorbing flavours from different seasonings.
Cod: Cod is one of the most popular white fish to air fry. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a firm texture that holds up well in the fryer.
Sole: Sole is a delicate fish with a mild flavour and tender flesh, making it ideal for air frying. It cooks quickly and is delicious with simple seasonings.
Snapper: If you want a flavourful and slightly sweet fish that air fries beautifully, turn to red snapper. It holds up to various seasonings and develops a crispy skin.
Trout: Trout has a delicate, nutty flavour, and its thin fillets are perfect for air frying. It also cooks quickly and can be seasoned with various herbs and spices.
These half-shell Ocean trout fillet
If you prefer a heartier meal, try thicker fish fillets. However, keep in mind that smaller fillets tend to cook more evenly in the air fryer.
Salmon: Salmon fillets are known for their thickness and high oil content, which make them an excellent choice for air frying. When air-fried, they develop a beautiful, crispy skin and remain flaky and succulent inside.
These half-shell Salmon fillet
Swordfish: Thick and meaty, swordfish steaks are great for air frying. They have a rich, robust flavour that pairs well with a variety of seasonings.
These half-shell Swordfish steak
Tuna: Tuna steaks have a distinct flavour and maintain their moistness when cooked in an air fryer.
These half-shell Tuna steak
Life can get busy, and having the option to pull frozen fish from your freezer is a blessing for seafood lovers. The air fryer can perfectly crisp these frozen fillets while keeping them juicy inside. Simply extend the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through to perfection.
Whether you opt for frozen or fresh fish fillets for air frying depends on what’s more convenient for you and what ingredients you have on hand.
Using fresh fish fillets is an excellent choice if you have access to high-quality, fresh seafood. Fresh fish typically has a more delicate flavour and texture, and it can turn out exceptionally well when air-fried. Just make sure to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel before coating and air frying for the best results.
Frozen fillets are convenient and can be a great option when you’re in a hurry or don’t have access to fresh seafood. Many frozen fish fillets are specifically designed for air frying, and they often come with coatings or seasonings that work well in the air fryer.
When using frozen fillets, there’s no need to thaw them in advance; you can place them directly into the air fryer. Follow the package instructions for the best results.
For those who prefer fresh fish, here’s a quick method for thawing.
Place the frozen fish fillets in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the fish is fully thawed, which typically takes about an hour.
Creating a crispy coating for fish is key to an appetising air-fried dish. You can choose from various options depending on your preference. The classic choice is a mixture of breadcrumbs seasoned with your favourite spices. You can also opt for a combination of flour and various spices or try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
For more air fryer recipes, visit Manettas.
Once your air-fried fish is ready, you can get creative with your serving. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:
Air fryers are known for their easy cleanup. You can make it even simpler by using parchment paper (or air fryer sheets), which makes cooking delicate fish easy while preventing sticking.
If you have leftovers, no worries—air-fried fish can be stored for later. Simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, use your air fryer for a few minutes to maintain that crispy texture.
Air frying fish is a versatile cooking method that brings out the best in various fish types, from cod to salmon. The crispy, golden exterior and tender interior of air-fried fish make it an absolute delight. This healthier alternative to deep frying is also more convenient, cost-effective, and incredibly tasty.
With online seafood marketplaces like Manettas, you can air fry fish and indulge in perfectly cooked fish at home. Discover why air-fried fish should be a staple in your family menu, and order top-quality fish fillets from Manettas today!
