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+ servings
air fryer fried fish on a plate.
5 from 57 votes

Air Fryer Fried Fish


Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
10 pieces
This quick and easy air fried fish is crispy and amazingly flavorful on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside. Learn how to fry fish in the air fryer. We made air fried tilapia but you can make air fried cod, halibut or any white fish.

Equipment

  • shallow dish
  • knife and cutting board
  • parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb white fish filets (tilapia or cod work well)
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tbsps oil (high heat oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil)

Optional Garnish:

  • Tartar sauce
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Combine bread crumbs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper in a shallow dish.
    Bread crumbs and spices in a bowl.
  • Pat fish dry and cut into 1-1½ inches wide pieces.
    fish cut into 1 inch pieces
  • Brush with oil.
    Fish on a cutting board with spices sprinkled on.
  • Gently roll fish in the seasoning dish so all sides are coated.
    Tilapia fish in bread crumbs
  • Place fish on parchment paper.
  • Cover fish with a second piece of parchment paper.
  • Using your hands or a rolling pin, put gentle pressure on the fish to push the seasoning into the fish. It will stay on the fish better this way and less will fall off while cooking.
    pushing bread crumbs on fish with rolling pin
  • Spray your air fryer cooking basket/tray with cooking spray to prevent fish from sticking.
  • Place fish into the air fryer cooking basket/tray. Make sure there is space in between each piece of fish. Do not overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook the fish in batches.
    Breaded fish in air fryer basket.
  • Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Cook time depends on the thickness and width of your fish pieces. Check on the fish intermittently. Internal temperature should be 145°F.
    Fried fish in an air fryer basket.
  • Remove from the air fryer. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
    fried fish with fries, tartar sauce and a lemon wedge

Notes

Air Fryer Notes:
  • Some air fryers have a pre-heat option. Preheating may reduce the cooking time a little bit.
  • Air fryers need space between the food items to circulate and cook properly. Do not overcrowd your air fryer. 
 
Recipe Notes:
  • You can substitute panko bread crumbs for Italian bread crumbs. Omit the Italian seasoning.
  • If you have air fryer parchment paper (parchment paper with holes for air flow) you can cook your fish on that.

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 51IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 1mg

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