Air Fryer Fried Fish
If you love crispy fried fish but hate the mess of deep frying, this Air Fryer Fried Fish recipe is going to be your new best friend. We’re talking golden, crunchy, perfectly seasoned fish fillets – ready in just 15 minutes with just a few sprays of oil.
This is a classic breaded fish fillet – seasoned, dipped in egg, coated in breadcrumbs, and cooked in the air fryer until perfectly golden. We’re big fried fish fans, yet sometimes you need a lighter version to enjoy at home without much compromise and the crispy Air Fryer fried fish delivers exactly that.
I use basa fillets here because they’re mild, affordable, and widely available. But honestly, any white fish works beautifully. In my house I serve them as an after school lunch or a light dinner with tartar sauce. These crispy fish fillets do well with a side salad or some roasted veggies.
If you’re a fan of easy air fryer dinners, you’ll also love Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, Air Fryer Mahi Mahi, Spicy Salmon Steaks, Air Fryer Tilapia, Salmon Bites or Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos.
Ingredient Notes
*Scroll down for the recipe card with a full ingredient list and measurements.
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- White fish fillets: I use basa. Tilapia, cod, or haddock also work well.
- Seasonings: I used salt, black pepper, onion and garlic powder and a little turmeric powder for color and lemon juice for acidity. I really like lemon pepper seasoning specially on white fish so you can substitute the above spices for lemon pepper seasoning.
- Eggs and Breadcrumbs: For breading the fillets.
- Oil: Optional but I find a spray of oil on the fillets helps with crisping them up and gives that deep fried taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Fish
*Scroll down for the printable recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Prep the fish: Pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels. This is important – moisture is the enemy of crispy fish. If the fillets are large, cut them into 2 to 3 inch portions so they cook evenly.
- Season: Mix together the salt, pepper, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder and lemon juice. Coat the fish fillets evenly in the seasoning mix. Let the fish sit for about 5 minutes so the flavours can sink in a little.
- Egg wash: Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Dip each seasoned fillet into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Breadcrumbs: Press each fillet into the breadcrumbs, coating all sides. Give it a gentle press so the crumbs really stick.
- Air fry: Lay the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket . Spray generously with oil on top. Air fry at 350F (175C) for 10 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve immediately with tartar sauce and your favourite side.
Recipe Tips
- Using frozen fish? Let it thaw completely first, then pat it dry and follow the instructions from Step 1.
- Pat the fish really dry. Any moisture on the surface will steam the fish instead of crisping it. A dry fillet = a crunchy crust.
- Be generous with the oil spray. This is the step that gives you that golden colour. Don’t be shy with it.
- Panko breadcrumbs give you an extra crunchy texture if you want to level it up.
- Want it spicier? Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or chilli flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers as a swap.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer fried fish is so versatile. Here are some of my favourite ways to serve it:
- Alongside roasted or air-fried veggies
- Classic with tartar sauce and a side salad
- Over steamed rice with a squeeze of lemon
- In a fish taco with slaw and a drizzle of hot sauce
DID YOU MAKE IT? Please leave a comment and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Fish (Easy Breaded Fish Fillets)
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets I used basa fillets.
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil spray
Instructions
- Pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels. If the fillets are large, cut them into 2 to 3 inch portions so they cook evenly.
- Mix together the salt, pepper, turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat the fish fillets evenly in the seasoning mix and the lemon juice. Let the fish sit for about 5 minutes so the flavours can sink in a little.
- Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Dip each seasoned fillet into the egg wash, making sure it's fully coated.
- Press each fillet into the breadcrumbs, coating all sides. Give it a gentle press so the crumbs really stick.
- Lay the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray generously with oil on top. Air fry at 350°F (175℃) for 10 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with tartar sauce and your favourite side.
Notes
- Shortcut: Replace all spices with 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning.
- For frozen fish: thaw completely, pat dry, then follow from Step 1.
- Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch.
- Spicy option: add 1/4 tsp cayenne to the seasoning mix.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to bring the crunch back. Not recommended for freezing once cooked, as the breadcrumb coating can go soft.
Save This Recipe!
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