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This Air Fryer Fish recipe is a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional fried fish. In only 25 minutes, you can have delicious, crispy fried fish that is guilt free!
Being born and raised in the “Home of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry” means we have strong opinions on the crispy, crunchy perfection of fried fish! For a super easy dinner that is quick enough for busy weekdays, we swapped our deep fryer for the air fryer and lake-caught catfish for convenient cod fillets. It’s not difficult to get the perfect air fry fish, but there are a couple tips and tricks that will help you get it right the first time!
Want more fish recipes? Try crispy fish tacos, air fryer fish sticks, or fish and chips air fryer!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Easy. There are no complicated cooking methods, and this is recipe easy enough for beginner cooks.
- Healthy. Cod is a lean protein source full of omega-3, and this gives us the crisp breaded texture without all the oil from deep frying.
- Less Messy. Traditional fried fish seems to get grease everywhere and requires considerable clean up. This air fryer fish is less messy and minimizes clean up needed after the meal.
Air Fryer Fish Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe. For exact measurements, keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card below.
- Cod Filets: Other types of fish filets such as Haddock, Halibut or Sole also work in this recipe with similar cook times.
- Cooking oil: Any neutral oil works, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
- Bread crumbs: You can use your favorite variety. Seasoned or unseasoned will work, just remember this recipe does call for additional spices. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free with gluten-free bread crumbs such as 4C or Schar.
- Spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt
To make the optional dipping sauce you will need mayonnaise, sriracha sauce as well as your favorite cajun seasoning. This is a really easy dip to customize. You can use more or less spice depending on how you prefer things.
How to Make Fish in the Air Fryer
In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need an air fryer and mixing bowl. We’ve documented each step of the process so you can easily make this air fryer fish at home!
- Pat Dry – Use paper towels to pat your fillets as dry as you can. Do not skip this step, it’s essential for the breading to stick.
- Add Breading – Mix together the breadcrumbs and seasonings in a shallow bowl. Coat the fish with your cooking oil, then lightly-but-firmly press the fish into the breading. Flip and do the same to the other side. Continue until all fillets are breaded.
- Air Fry – Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes to 400 degrees F, then spray basket with oil. Place fish filets in a single layer (do not overcrowd), then air fry for 12-15 minutes. Remove when fish is flaky and has reached 145 degrees and serve immediately (preferably with the optional dip – just mix those ingredients until smooth).
What to Serve with Air Fryer Cod
We love this crispy fish with lemon wedges and fresh sides like a spring salad, garlic butter green beans, or air fryer squash.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage- You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer Storage- We don’t recommend freezing this recipe once it has been prepared.
- Reheating Instructions- In a microwave, reheat in 30 second increments until warmed through. If using the air fryer (our recommendation), preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F for 1-2 minutes. Then you will add fish filets. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, flip the filets around the 2 minute mark.
Tips and Tricks
- For crispy filets, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Fry in batches if necessary.
- If your filets are particularly thick, you may need to air fry the filets for longer.
- Traditional tartar sauce and/or hot sauce are also excellent dipping options.
- Don’t skip the first step, it is very important to pat the fish filets dry to remove any excess moisture.
Air Fryer Fish FAQ
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free with gluten-free bread crumbs.
No, you will need to completely thaw the fish first. The batter will not adhere as well and frozen fish will contain too much moisture.
We don’t recommend freezing this recipe once it has been cooked. Upon thawing, it would be difficult to reproduce the same level of crispness you will get when prepared fresh.
Halibut, Haddock or Sole are similar to Cod and would have very similar cooking times. Tilapia or catfish are two types of fish that would also work well with this recipe, however, they are traditionally thinner filets and would likely have a shorter cook time.
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Air Fryer Cod Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 4 thawed cod filets, about 6 oz each
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 tsp cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Pat the thawed fish filets dry with a paper towel, then coat with the oil and set aside.
- Mix breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Dip the oil-coated fish filets in the breadcrumb mixture, coating the fish filets completely one at a time, pressing firmly so the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then set the fish filets in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
- Meanwhile, stir together the dipping sauce ingredients. Serve the fish with the sauce and lemon wedges!
Notes
- The dipping sauce isn’t traditional tartar sauce, but it tastes so good with the fish! It’s spicy and pairs perfectly with fresh lemon and cod!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You may need to air fry the filets longer if they are particularly thick.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
