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
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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
Jump to Section
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
Would it also work to bake these in the oven? If so – for how long and at what temperature?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven! Arrange the breaded fish on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, or directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly coat the breading on both sides of the fish with cooking oil spray. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crisp, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the pieces.
This is a fantastic recipe. My family all agree that it is better than the best fish & chips restaurant. Even our 2 year old granddaughter ate 4 pieces and could have eaten more. The only change we make is that we have to double the amount of panko. I’m a tough customer and I’d give more than 5 stars if that was possible. Yum!
That’s awesome! I’m so glad it was a hit with your family and that it tasted restaurant-quality. Love that it was a hit with your two-year-old granddaughter, too. Thank you for the feedback about doubling the panko, I will take it into consideration!
Excellent recipe! I enjoyed it!
Thank you! So happy you liked it!
We weren’t wow’d by this. Not enough seasoning, so we found the taste very bland. The fish was tender, however, the panko crust was too crunchy. Maybe I’d try the flour mixture, egg, and flour mixture again and skip the panko.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Sally! Sorry to hear it wasn’t a hit in your house. I’d love to hear how it turns out if you dredge in flour a second time instead of using panko!
This recipe is delicious! Our favorite
Yay, that makes me so happy to hear!! Thanks, Anne!
Didn’t have any eggs, so used yogurt — came out great !
Love that! So happy it turned out great, thank you for sharing!
Easy and delicious! My fish came out crispy 😊
Yay! So glad you liked it!!
Works great every time!
Yay, I’m so glad!!
Making this today for the 2nd time, sent to nephew in Vancouver, who is a fisherman. It’s simple and delicious. Today I steamed the potatoes in an Epicure steamer for two minutes in microwave. I’ll air fry as per instructions. Try it!!
Yay, so glad you enjoy the recipe!! I hope your nephew likes it too, I’m sure his freshly caught fish would be incredible. Thanks, Katie!!
Perfect! I cut the cod in smaller pieces and dressed it as you indicated. The best I’ve had in the air fryer. This will be my go to recipe.
Thank you!
Yay! Thanks, Brenda!
See All Comments