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Air Fryer Crispy Fish Fillets are a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried fish. The air fryer gives the fillets a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender inside. Here’s a simple recipe for crispy fish fillets that you can make in your air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray (for crisping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish Fillets:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better and get crispier during cooking.
- Season the fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Set Up the Dredging Stations:
- In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and Dijon mustard (if using).
3. Coat the Fish:
- Dip each fish fillet into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Next, dredge the fillet in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Shake off any excess.
- Repeat with the remaining fillets.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
5. Cook the Fish Fillets:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the tops of the fish fillets with cooking spray to promote crisping.
6. Air Fry:
- Cook the fish fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the fillets are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 145°F / 63°C).
- If you prefer extra crispy fillets, you can cook them for a few more minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
7. Serve:
- Remove the fish fillets from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with coleslaw, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a light salad.
Tips:
- Different Fish Options: Cod, tilapia, haddock, and pollock are all great choices for air frying, but you can experiment with other fish varieties as well. Just adjust the cooking time for thinner or thicker fillets.
- Add Flavor Variations: For a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dredging mixture. You can also mix in some fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for extra flavor.
- Serve with a Dip: Serve these crispy fish fillets with homemade tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or a zesty lemon mayo dip for added flavor.
Air Fryer Tip:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, ensure the fish fillets have space between them in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around the fillets, making them crispy on all sides.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Crispy Fish Fillets—a quick, easy, and healthier version of this classic favorite!
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