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Air Fryer Fish Fillets

Air Fryer Fish Fillets

Crispy, tender Air Fryer Fish Fillets are a quick, healthy, and delicious meal option perfect for busy weeknights. These fillets achieve a golden, crunchy exterior without deep frying, using minimal oil and simple ingredients like white fish, panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re versatile, easy to customize, and ideal for anyone craving a guilt-free seafood dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Coating

  • 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock), about 4-6 oz each
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Other

  • Olive oil spray (for spraying basket and fillets)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier crust once cooked.
  2. Set Up Your Breading Station: Place the flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls. Season the flour with salt and pepper and mix well for added flavor.
  3. Coat the Fillets: Lightly dredge each fillet in the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten egg. Lastly, press the fillets evenly into the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are coated thoroughly.
  4. Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking, then place the fillets in a single layer with space between each piece.
  5. Cook and Flip: Air fry the fillets for 8 minutes, flipping them gently halfway through the cooking time. Spritz olive oil on the fillets after flipping for extra crispiness. Cook until the fish is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Notes

  • Pat Dry: Drying the fish thoroughly prevents soggy coatings and promotes crispness.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Spread out fillets in the air fryer basket for even cooking and maximum crunch.
  • Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular ones.
  • Oil Spritzing Is Key: Lightly spraying both the basket and fillets ensures a perfect golden finish.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the fish is safely cooked to 145°F (63°C).

Nutrition

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