Air fryer fish fillets
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer fish fillets are a quick way to enjoy a classic favourite. Delicate plaice fillets are coated with breadcrumbs, brushed with butter, and cooked until perfectly crisp and tender. With just a squeeze of lemon juice, it is a fresh and easy dinner that always satisfies.
Ingredients
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6
Plaice fillets (about 300 g)
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60 g
Plain flour
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2
Eggs
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75 g
Breadcrumbs
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1 tsp
Fine salt
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Freshly ground pepper
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50 g
Melted butter (or butter spray)
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1
Lemon, cut into wedges
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Crispy fish fillets need space to cook properly, so do not try to squeeze them all in at once. The fillets should sit in a single layer with room for hot air to circulate. Most air fryers can hold about 2–4 fillets at a time, depending on their size. Follow the recipe and cook them in two rounds. Keep the first batch warm under a tea towel while you finish the rest.
Prevent breaded fish from sticking in the air fryer by using parchment paper cut to fit the basket. Pat the fish dry before coating it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Cook at 200 °C, flipping halfway for even browning. Skip wet batters, as they are more likely to cling to the basket.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer fish fillets
Our FAQ section answers common questions to help you cook the best fish fillet in the air fryer. From the best breading methods to preventing the fillets from sticking, we cover everything you need for crispy, tasty fish.
Why is it important to pat the fish dry before breading?
It is important to pat the fish dry before breading to get a crispy, well-adhered coating when you cook your air fryer fish fillets. When the surface is free of excess moisture, the breading clings evenly and stays put during cooking. If the fish is too wet, the coating can slip off or turn soggy as the trapped water turns to steam. Patting the fillets dry also helps the air fryer maintain a steady heat, so the inside cooks gently while the outside turns golden and crisp.
Is it necessary to use both flour and egg when breading?
Yes, it is necessary to use both flour and egg when breading fish fillets for the air fryer. Flour dries the surface of the fillets and gives the eggs something to cling to. Without it, the egg might not coat evenly, resulting in a patchy breadcrumb layer. The egg serves as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs stick firmly to the floured fillet.
Do I need to flip the fish fillets in the air fryer during cooking?
Yes, you need to flip the fish fillets in the air fryer during cooking. Flip them halfway through to guarantee both sides cook evenly and get a crispy, golden-brown coating. Cook the fillets for about 4 minutes at 200 °C. Then, turn them over, brush with melted butter, and continue cooking for another 4 minutes.
Can I cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer. Plain fillets can go straight in from frozen, but breaded fish should be thawed first, so the coating sticks properly and turns out crisp. To thaw, leave the fillets in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, then pat them dry before breading.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1376 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 10.2 gram fibers |
| Protein | 44.9 | 152 gram |
| Fat | 36.4 | 56.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 18.7 | 63.5 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Cook delicious air fryer fish fillets
Our recipe for air fryer fish fillets gives you a speedy and delicious fish dish, completely free of hassle. Instead of standing over a pan of hot oil, you can achieve the same golden crunch in less than half the time with very little effort.
Simply coat each fillet in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then let the air fryer create that golden finish while keeping the fish tender. Brushed with melted butter and a squeeze of lemon, the fillets emerge crispy and flaky.
Tender fish with incredibly crispy crust
In the air fryer, the breadcrumb coating turns crisp and golden. It gives you the crunch you expect from fried fish, just without all the oil. Inside, the plaice fillets stay tender and juicy, flaking easily with a fork. Brushing with a little butter helps the coating brown evenly and adds to the rich flavour. The payoff is simple, tasty fish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a family meal at the weekend.
Serve for an easy lunch or pair for a family dinner
Air fryer fish fillets are flexible enough to fit into any mealtime. For a quick, light lunch, serve them with a side salad and some crusty bread. At dinnertime, they shine with classic accompaniments like potato wedges or oven-roasted vegetables. Fresh, seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus or a crisp green salad, offer a fresh contrast. The fish fillets’ mild flavour makes them appealing to both kids and adults, so they work well as a family-friendly dinner.
After enjoying crispy fish fillets, why not let the air fryer handle dessert too? Bake a batch of air fryer chocolate chip cookies for a warm, gooey finish, or try air fryer s’mores for a fun, family-friendly treat. If you prefer something nutty and sweet, air fryer white chocolate macadamia cookies make a perfect companion to a fish dinner.
Easy ways to experiment with your fish fillets
This recipe for fish fillet in an air fryer is simple at its core, but it also welcomes variation. Switch up the coating by adding paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour. Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs if you want an even crispier texture. Try different types of fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia, depending on what you have available, and what type you like.
