This golden-crispy Air Fryer Fish brings restaurant-quality seafood to your dinner table in just 22 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this lightened-up recipe delivers the same satisfying crunch you love, with only 109 calories per serving.
The air fryer works its magic to create that irresistible exterior while keeping the fish tender and flaky inside – all with minimal oil. Whether you’re watching your calories or simply want a quick, delicious meal, this foolproof method will become your new go-to fish recipe.
Ingredients Needed
- Tilapia Filets: 4 pieces, ensure they’re pat dried for better coating
- Spray Oil: Light coating for crispy results
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon for a mild kick
- Garlic Salt: 1/2 teaspoon for savory flavor
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for seasoning
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup for perfect golden crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Lightly spray the tilapia filets with oil, ensuring even coverage
- Mix Seasonings: Combine chili powder, garlic salt, and pepper in a small bowl
- Prepare Coating: Place breadcrumbs in a ziplock bag and add the spice mixture, shake well
- Coat the Fish: Place each filet in the bag and gently press the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning
- Check Doneness: Fish should be golden brown and flake easily when done
Cooking Techniques
Air frying fish creates a wonderfully crispy coating while keeping the inside moist and tender. For the best results, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – leave a little space between each filet so the hot air can circulate freely. If your fish filets are very thick or thin, you might need to adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the coating is golden brown.
Variations
This recipe works great with other types of fish too! Try it with cod, haddock, or catfish. Want to change up the flavors? Add some paprika for smokiness, or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist. You can swap regular breadcrumbs for panko to get an extra crunchy coating. For a gluten-free option, crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs work really well too!
Serving Suggestions
This crispy fish pairs beautifully with fresh lemon wedges and tartar sauce. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of crispy air-fried potato wedges or a fresh coleslaw. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make perfect light sides. Want to make fish tacos? Just break the filets into chunks and serve them in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and lime!
Storage Tips
While this fish tastes best fresh from the air fryer, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – this helps bring back some of that crispy texture. The breading mixture can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a month, so you can make extra to have on hand for next time!
Air Fryer Fish
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Small Bowl
- Ziplock Bag
Ingredients
- 4 Tilapia filets
- Spray oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Spray the fish filets lightly oil and set them aside.
- Combine the spices in small bowl.
- Put the breadcrumbs in a ziplock bag. Add spices to the bag and shake well to combine.
- Place fish filet into bag and gently press the breadcrumb mixture into the fish. Make sure all sides are coated. Repeat for each filet.
- Cook filets for 10-12 minutes at 400°F or 200°C in the air fryer basket. Flip filets halfway through cooking.
