Make perfectly crispy air fryer breaded fish fillets in just minutes! This easy from-scratch recipe results in tender flakey fish covered in a flavorful, crunchy breading. This is a beginner friendly recipe that’s perfect as lunch.
Make a meal of fish and chips by serving it with our air fryer crinkle cut fries and Bang Bang sauce.
Air fryer breaded fish fillet recipe
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, making traditionally fried foods like breaded fish healthier and convenient.
This air fryer breaded fish fillet recipe shows you how to prepare crispy, delicious fillets from scratch using a few simple ingredients likely already in your kitchen.
Armed with this amazing kitchen appliance, you're never more than minutes away from this easy fish recipe. You might also like our air fryer chickpeas and crispy bacon made in the air fryer! Did you know you can also cook frozen breaded fish in the air fryer?
Why you should try it out
Total hands-on time is under 10 minutes thanks to the air fryer doing all the heavy crisping work.
Frozen breaded fish fillets taste freshest when hand-breaded, and this recipe keeps that crunch.
The breading uses pantry staples like flour and seasoning your family already loves.
Reheating leftovers to crispy perfection takes just 2-3 quick minutes in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- Cod fish fillet
- Fish seasoning (I used salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, coriander)
- All purpose flour
- Egg
- Panko breadcrumbs
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Air fryer
Low bowls for the breading station
How to make breaded fish fillet from scratch in the air fryer
This is an overview of the recipe with step by step photos. Scroll down to end of post for a printable recipe card with the amount of ingredients and full recipe instructions.
Set up the breading station with 3 low bowls or plates: one plate for the flour, one for the egg and the other for the breadcrumbs.
Add salt and seasonings to the flour, mix to combine.
Pat fish dry then dredge in seasoned flour, dip in the beaten egg and finally place in the breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fish to stick.
Repeat for all the other fillets. Next spritz oil on both sides of the breaded fish.
Then air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 mins or until internal temperature is 145°F (63°C)
What to serve with air fryer breaded fish fillets
Here are some delicious options for side dishes and sauces that pair nicely with the air fryer breaded fish fillets.
Air fryer fries or tater tots. Crispy, golden air fried potatoes make an easy, tasty side for fish.
Coleslaw: Cool, creamy coleslaw balances the crunch of the fillets nicely
Rice or pasta also compliments this recipe
Vegetables like carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, sautéed, air fried or roasted work well too.
Dips: such as Bang Bang sauce, tartar sauce and fry sauce are great when serving fish and chips.
How to store and reheat
Allow cooked fillets to come to room temperature first before storing. This prevents condensation from making the breading soggy. Transfer fish to airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating fish in the air fryer
Place fish in the air fryer no need to preheat, set temp to 400°F (200°C) and reheat for 3 to 5 mins or until warmed through.
Helpful Tips
- Pat the fish dry so the breading adheres properly.
- No need to preheat the air fryer. If you do, you will need to adjust the time accordingly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer
- Use one shallow dish for each dredging station to allow room to coat.
- Press panko gently into the fish so it sticks and provides maximum crunch.
- Spritz oil over all sides for even crisping. Half way through cooking check the fish and spritz some more oil on white spots. Flip and continue cooking.
- Adjust air frying time up or down based on thickness of your fillets.
FAQs
Yes you can cook already breaded and frozen fillets bought from stores in the air fryer without thawing. Cook at 400°F for 12 to 15 mins.
Tilapia, cod, haddock and other whitefish with mild flavor that won't overpower breading.
Yes you can, however, you will need to thaw the fish first. Leave it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Then pat dry before breading.
The internal temp of fully cooked fish should be 145°F (63°C)
Visually check breading is crispy golden brown. Inside should flake easily and be opaque. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C)
More air fryer recipes
- Air fryer fish and chips
- Air fryer bbq chicken recipe
- Air fryer roasted potatoes
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
For perfect fish that’s tender inside with a deliciously crispy crunch you’ll love, this easy air fryer breaded fish fillet recipe delivers. With this recipe, you’ll have fun breading and air frying fish like a pro in just minutes.
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Air fryer breaded fish fillets
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 pieces cod
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Flour
- 1 Large egg (or 2 medium eggs)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon coriander (optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all purpose flour
Instructions
- Set up the breading station with three shallow plate, one got the egg, one for the flour and the last one for the breadcrumbs.
- Add the salt and seasoning to the bowl with flour and mix to combine.
- Prepare fish for breading by patting the fillets dry.
- Dredge the fish in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the egg and finally the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the fish lightly to ensure it sticks.
- Set the breaded fish on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and repeat same breading process for all the other fillets.
- When you are done, spray all the breaded fish with oil on both sides before transferring to the air fryer basket.
- Set temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 10 to 12 mins or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) feel free to add a couple more minutes if needed.
- Remember to flip halfway through cooking time. Spray any white spots with oil.
- Serve with your favorite sides and dipping sauce.
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