Air Fryer Fish & Chips
Updated Aug 15, 2026
Enjoy crispy fish without the need for deep frying. Air fryer fish is ready in minutes and is so easy to make - perfect pairs with some fries
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This Air fryer fish and Chips recipe is a healthier way to enjoy one of your favorite restaurant meals. Made in minutes, this crispy cod is coated with panko and cooked in the air fryer in minutes. So there’s no need for deep frying! It’s such a great family weeknight meal.
Recipe Testing Notes
For the past 10 years, I’ve tested every recipe before sharing it with you! These notes give you a peek into the process of developing this Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe.
After a reader mentioned needing double the panko, I retested the recipe and had the same experience! I ran out about halfway through breading the fish, so I doubled the amount to make sure there was enough to evenly coat every piece. I’ve updated the recipe with the new quantity. Everything else still worked great and the seasoning was just the right amount.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
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Air Fryer Fish Ingredients
- Fish: I use cod fillet in this recipe and cut each one into two or four strips each. You can make this with recipe with other white fish; just make sure the fish is firm and thick like mahi mahi or halibut.
- Breading: I have three bowls: one with a whisked egg, one with panko breadcrumbs (for the best crisp factor!) and a third one with all-purpose flour mixed with any seasoning you like. I like using paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. intolerance.
How to Make Air Fryer Fish
These step-by-step photos walk you through how to make Air Fryer Fish. For the full ingredient list and detailed instructions, head to the recipe card below, or skip straight to the Air Fryer Fish Recipe below
1. Set Up Your Bowls
Set up your dredging station with three bowls with the flour and seasoning mixture, egg and panko breadcrumbs. You can also just season the fish first on its own.
2. Cut and Dry the Fish
Pat the fish dry with a paper towel, and then one by one dip them in the flour, egg and then breadcrumbs, and place on a baking sheet.
3. Prep for the Air Fryer
Spray both sides with oil and then cook in the air fryer.
4. Air Fry Until Crispy
Check that the fish is cooked to your liking by testing with a fork to see if it flakes easily. Add another minute if needed.
Full Air Fryer Fish Recipe
Air Fryer Fish & Chips
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 pound cod fillet cut into 1-inch strips
- Cooking spray
- Tartar sauce for serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Place the egg in another bowl and whisk it. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Pat the fish dry using a paper towel. Dredge the fish in the flour mixture, then the egg and finally the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly until the crumbs stick. Spray both sides with oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and lightly golden. The fish should flake off easily with a fork. If needed for your air fryer, flip them halfway through cooking.
- Serve immediately with fries, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges, if desired.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Skip Pre-heating the air fryer. This means that the temperature and air flows will be at the right level when you cook the fish. If you don’t preheat, it can air fry the fish unevenly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The fish strips should not be touching, so cook them in two batches if needed.
- Remove as much moisture from the fish before breading it. Dab the fish with a paper towel to get rid of any extra moisture sitting on the fish, especially if it was previously frozen. If the fish is too wet, it can steam, meaning that your breadcrumb coating could end up soggy rather than crispy.
- Make sure that the cod is cooked through. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, they may take slighter longer, or quicker, to cook through. Use a fork to test the thickest piece, the flesh should easily flake.
Serving Ideas
- With Fries: This is my favorite thing to serve with air fryer frish. My kids love Air Fryer French Fries, but we also do Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries sometimes and Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
- With Sauce: Try my homemade Tartar Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce or Ranch Dip
- On a Salad: The air fryer fish goes great on top of Simple Green Salad, Classic Caesar Salad or Mixed Greens Salad.
Comments
Fabulous recipe! I changed the flour to cornstarch (makes it really crispy on the outside, but fish is really tender on the inside). I also subbed the white fish for salmon as that is my fave fish! Served the salmon with sweet potato fries…..this is my go to Salmon Fish and Chips recipe!
I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe with salmon! That crispy outside and tender middle sounds soo good, especially with sweet potato fries. Thanks for sharing the swaps that worked for you. So glad this was a 5-star recipe for you!
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