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Quick and Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets

Quick and Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets
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Quick and Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets offer a speedy, healthy, and fuss-free way to enjoy golden, flaky fish with a perfectly crunchy crust. Ready in under 20 minutes using an air fryer and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers tender white fish coated in a savory, spiced panko crust that rivals traditional frying but with less oil and mess.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 firm white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock), about 4-6 ounces each

Breading

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing

  • Cooking spray or a light mist of oil

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Fish: Rinse and pat dry your fish fillets thoroughly to ensure the coating sticks properly. Trim any excess bits so each piece has a uniform shape for even cooking.
  2. Set Up Your Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, and any other preferred seasonings.
  3. Coat the Fish: Dip each fillet first in the flour, making sure to coat every surface, then into the egg wash, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a crisp, complete coating on all sides.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it heat up for 3 to 5 minutes to achieve that crispy finish.
  5. Air Fry the Fillets: Place the coated fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, spraying a light mist of cooking oil over the top. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Remove the fish carefully and serve immediately for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Notes

  • Dry Fish Is Key: Always pat dry your fillets to prevent soggy coating and ensure crispiness.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches to allow air circulation for even cooking and browning.
  • Use Panko for Crunch: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs produce a lighter, crunchier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Light Oil Spray: A gentle spray of oil helps the coating turn golden without adding excess grease.
  • Flip Carefully: Turn the fillets mid-cook using tongs to keep the crust intact and evenly browned.
  • Check Thickness: Thicker fillets may need extra time; always test that fish flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer fish fillets, crispy fish, quick seafood recipe, healthy fried fish, panko fish fillets, gluten free fish recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/quick-and-crispy-air-fryer-fish-fillets/