Air Fryer Fish & Chips

5 from 2023 votes

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 for perfectly cooked fish without the need for deep frying. Such a great family weeknight meal.

Air fried fish and chips served with tartar saucse and lemon wedge
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I just know that you are going to love this air fryer fish recipe! It’s so quick and easy without the mess or calories, and it’s hands down delicious! Serve it up with Oven Baked French Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries and tartar sauce for a delicious weeknight meal.

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Fish: We use cod fillet in this recipe. We cut it into strips before coating in breadcrumbs and cooking in the air fryer. You can make this with recipe with other white fish.
  • Flour: We use all purpose flour, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour if you have an intolerance.
  • Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Egg: The cod strips are dipped in egg to allow the breadcrumbs to stick.
  • Breadcrumbs: To get super crispy fried fish, we use panko breadcrumbs. You can make this with regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t come out as crispy. You can swap for gluten-free if you have an intolerance.

How to make air fryer fish

Set up your dredging station with three bowls with the flour mixture, egg and panko breadcrumbs. I like to add paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper to the flour. You can also just season the fish first on its own.

Dredging station for the fish: flour and spices, eggs, panko, breadcrumbs

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.

Cod fish cut into long fillets drying on paper towel

Spray both sides with oil and then cook in the air fryer.

Breaded fish before frying in the air fryer

Check that the fish is cooked to your liking by testing with a fork to see if it flakes easily. You can return the fish for another 1 or 2 minutes if you need to.

Breaded fish after air fried on a tray with lemon wedges

Tips for making COD in the air fryer

  1. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The fish strips shouldn’t be touching, so cook them in two batches if needed.
  2. Remove as much moisture from the fish before breading it. Dab the fish with absorbent kitchen towel to get rid of any excess moisture. If the fish is too wet, it can steam, meaning that your breadcrumb coating could end up soggy rather than crispy.
  3. Pre heat your 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 pre heat it can cook your food unevenly.
  4. 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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you reheat air fryer fish?

Cooked seafood will keep safely in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 or 4 days. You can reheat the fish for serving in a pre heated air fryer for around 3 to 4 minutes and it will stay wonderfully crispy.

Can you use frozen fish for this recipe?

It’s best not to use still frozen fish in this recipe as the breadcrumb coating will not stick and the frozen fish will contain a lot of water. You can still use frozen fish, just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight and be sure to remove as much excess water as you can.

How long does it take to cook fish in the air fryer?

The crispy fish will take about 10 – 12 minutes in the air fryer, depending on the thickness of your fillets and the model of air fryer you are using. Check the fish for doneness after 10 minutes and cook for another couple of minutes if needed.

Plate of fish and chips with tartar sauce

I love that this air fryer fish comes out so wonderfully crispy without the need for deep frying. It’s so quick and easy to make. Serve it alongside some steamed veggies for a well balanced family meal.

More fish recipes:

More air fryer recipes:

If you’ve tried this healthy-ish feelgood Air Fryer Fish recipe or any other recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!

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Air Fryer Fish & Chips

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
5 from 2023 votes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 200
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Video

Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Place the beaten egg in another bowl and 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, turning halfway through until crispy and lightly golden, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Open basket and check for desired doneness with a fork to see if it flakes off easily. You can return the fish for another 1 or 2 minutes, if necessary.
  • Serve immediately with fries and tartar sauce, if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, just place in the airfryer at 360°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave but the fish won’t retain its crispy texture that way.
* Please note the nutrition label does not include the fries served with the fish.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 90mg, Sodium: 424mg, Potassium: 544mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 598IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Main Course

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Recipe Rating




Comments

    1. No, I just served the fish on top of the parchment. You place the fish in the basket without lining it with anything.

  1. This recipe is amazing! I followed it exactly yum yum yum! He’s fussy when it comes to fish and he loved it. Our new go to fish recipe. Thank you very much for sharing it with us 😋

  2. Hi: Is there any reason I couldn’t just brush seasoned mayonnaise on the fish then press the panko? It seems to hang onto the breading better?

  3. Delicious. I seasoned with lemon pepper, and Tony’s and seasoning salt for extra flavor. I used Cod and Mahi Mahi. Turned out crunchy and great. I def think the secret is making sure the fish is dry!

    1. Yum, the seasoning sounds great! And yes, getting the fish super dry before cooking it essential for the crunch factor.

  4. I was blown away by this fish! So easy, so tasty and so much more crunch than I had anticipated. Thanks for the deliciousness!

  5. Awesome recipe. Thank you very much. We live in Alaska so made it with fresh halibut. So easy and so delicious. Thanks again!

  6. Hi. I want to try the fish and chips today with a brand new airfryer from William sonoma just delivered. My question – the answer to which might seem obvious – but I do not want to fail – I should cook fish first (keep in warmed oven) and then make the fries? Other recipes show both together and that seems wrong to me.

    1. Hi Joanne, yes I would cook the fish first then keep it warm in the oven while you make the French fries. I hope you enjoy!

  7. Made this for first time tonight. Wasn’t as crispy as others claim. Ensured that fish was patted dry. Using a Brevillle oven. Should I try increasing temp to 425F? Like others comments were a lack of seasoning although I heavily seasoned the flour as directed. Should I salt the panko too?

    1. I have not made this in a multi-functional appliance so that may be some of the issue. Increasing to 425 on the air fryer setting may work. You can adjust the seasoning to your tastes!

  8. Made the fish as described. Turned out great in our air fryer. Will definitely make this again. Easy to make, crispy, and timing was great.

      1. The fish and chips were very good. Do you cook them on the bottom rack or on the raised position? I cooked them on the lowest one

      1. Just made this fish for the first time for lunch today for my husband as he was wanting fried fish. He said it was fabulous and boy it sure was crunchy. I give it a five star.

    1. I recommend serving it up with Oven Baked French Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – both which are recipes up on my website!

  9. Fantastic recipe! I don’t know how to cook very well & bought the air fryer to see if I could do better. I followed recipe exactly as is and air fried some frozen fries separately to go with. Thanks for making this easy & delicious! 💜

  10. It’s not “Fish and Chips” without the “Chips”, which are fried potatoes. There are no potatoes in the ingredients or recipe. What you have here is Fried Fish, Is this a click-bait thing?

    1. I recommend serving it up with Oven Baked French Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – both which are recipes up on my website!

  11. So so so good! I sprinkled more seating on top of the Panko but other than that I did nothing different.

  12. We all loved this recipe it was delicious 😋 the only thing I would suggest is to spray some oil in the basket before you put the fish in to keep it from sticking when cooked

  13. This was so delicious! It came out perfectly the first time, even without the garlic powder (which I didn’t have on hand. Thank you, Yumna, for this great recipe!

    1. The fish should be air fried at 400°F, turning halfway through until crispy and lightly golden, about 10-12 minutes.

  14. fish and french fries and steak fries doesn’t have the temp for the air fryer. plz don’t send me a bunch of email or sell or give info to anyone, just the temp plz. thanks jan

    1. Thank you so much! Will definitely consider that. You can also find air fryer recipes under the recipes tab on my website by filtering the method.

  15. This was the best fish I have ever eaten, in or out of a restaurant! My husband raved about it. The only thing I will change is to season my fish before dredging, as others have commented. I used 2 tsp. of old bay seasoning instead of the paprika too. We had nice Newfoundland haddock to start with. Thank you so much for removing the intimidation and giving me a good solid guide. Fantastic!

  16. Just made tonight for fish tacos. I used gluten free flour and panko. The only thing I would do next time is add garlic/onion powder to dry fish. I could not taste seasoning in flour but since we’re doing tacos with toppings still a win. Also used avocado oil spray for high temperature.

  17. Wowzers. This looks as good as it tastes! Super duper easy. I don’t think I’ll bake another Salmon again.

  18. This was really tasty and easy to make! I used gluten free flour as well as gluten free Panko breadcrumbs and finally was able to enjoy fish and chips, thanks!

        1. I air fried at 400 degrees F. for about for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through until crispy and lightly golden.

    1. Sounds like you messed up. I’ve been VERY successful at creating delicious, healthy ‘deep fried’ air fryer stuff. Did you liberally spray your fish with healthy olive oil before ‘frying’. That’s important. The one thing I’m still trying to perfect is an ‘almost’ authentic air fryer Tempura Batter. I’m close, but not there yet – may never will be…

  19. I made this with black cod, changed the seasoning to Old bay and it is amazing! Skin on, crispy outside and super moist inside.

    1. It may make the flour mixture and breadcrumbs a little harder to stick to, but I think it may still work!

    2. This recipe is kids friendly. I made it in the oven since I don’t have an air fryer and it worked very well.
      Keep doing the good job!!!

  20. I did not find this to have much of a flavor. The texture was fine and it was cooked well but It was just kind of tasteless. I think if I do this again, I would add more spices.

  21. Oddly, there’s no mention of what you actually do with the eggs once cracked in a bowl? It says ‘egg crumbs’ so I’m not sure what that means.

    1. Scroll down to the bottom where the recipe card is. That’s where you’ll see the full instructions. Thank you!

  22. I first tried this recipe using cod and it was so-so, but then decided to give it a shot with this new white fish that I discovered recently and it was AMAZING. Super moist and much better flavor. If you haven’t heard of barramundi, definitely go find it!

  23. Hello!
    Love your blog! Do you mind telling me which air fryer you use? I am in the process of buying one and too many on the market.

    Thank you!

      1. Thank you so much for the reply! sorry to bother you again but how can I make two kinds of food in an airfryer, since I am not a big fan of cold food. Is there some kind a divider?

        Thank you!

        1. Unfortunately the capacity can be an issue with most air fryers. There are lots of great gadgets for air fryers on the market lately so you might be able to find a divider. I just place the food in the oven usually while I make the next item.

  24. Such a quick and easy recipe that turned out delicious. I placed a piece of baking paper at the bottom of my air fryer and added a few drops of olive oil on top of the fish, it turned out great.