Crispy, flaky fish without the guilt. That’s what this air fryer recipe delivers, and it couldn’t be simpler. Just fish, oil, and seasoning. Done. The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, especially for those who love the crunch of fried food but hate the calories that come with it. Fish happens to be one of the foods that benefits most from this cooking method.
The beauty lies in the simplicity. Choose a mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock. Thicker fillets will need more time, thinner ones less. Pretty basic stuff. The fish needs to be patted dry before cooking – wet fish equals soggy results. Nobody wants that.
Remember: simple fish = delicious results. Pat dry, season lightly, adjust timing for thickness. No moisture, no problems.
Olive oil is your friend here. Just a light coating, not a bath. Then comes simple seasoning: salt, pepper, and maybe some paprika if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it. Three ingredients, as promised. Of course, you could jazz things up with Old Bay, cayenne, or cumin, but why complicate a good thing? Fatty fish like salmon are excellent choices for boosting metabolism naturally.
Set your air fryer between 370°F and 400°F. Higher temps create crispier exteriors but risk burning thinner fillets. Lower is safer for beginners. The sweet spot for most fish? About 380°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. When it flakes easily with a fork and hits 145°F internally, it’s done. Period.
The results are impressive. Crispy outside, tender and moist inside. No greasy fingers, no oil-splattered stovetop. Just clean, simple cooking. This particular recipe creates a mild lemony garlic flavor that perfectly complements the natural taste of cod without overwhelming it. Breading your fish with a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices like paprika and garlic powder will give you that perfect restaurant-quality crispiness. Serve with lemon wedges and maybe some tartar sauce. Or go wild with fish tacos – add some avocado and salsa. Your call.
The health benefits aren’t bad either. Considerably less oil than traditional frying, but all the taste. Fish brings protein and nutrients to the table while the air fryer keeps the fat content minimal. It’s a win-win situation for weeknight dinners. Fast, healthy, delicious. What more could you want?
