This recipe proves you don’t need a deep fryer to make your favorite Friday fish fry!
I’m from Wisconsin, so Friday fish fries are a pretty big deal around here. You could even order a fish fry at a local Thai restaurant on a Friday night. I’m not being hyperbolic. This is gospel truth, people. It’s in our blood—well, that and perhaps high cholesterol from all those fish fries. And while it may be considered sacrilege to my fellow Wisconsinites, this lighter, healthier air-fryer fish recipe comes pretty darn close to tasting like the one from my favorite greasy spoon.
What I love about this air-fryer fish is how crispy and tender it is. Really, it’s almost shocking, because normally, it takes a vat of grease to get this type of texture and taste. The seasoning blend of garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder also does wonders for the flavor. I just love how effortlessly I can get restaurant-quality fish at home, all with minimal cleanup and no greasy residue.
Is This Air-Fryer Fish Healthy?
Using an air fryer significantly reduces the oil you would normally use for fried fish, which lowers the overall fat and calorie content by a huge margin. Plus, I don’t use a breading because the air fryer does a great job crisping the fish with the spices alone. Fish itself is an excellent source of lean protein and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to benefit heart health. And, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, keto, Paleo, and Whole30-friendly.
What Type Of Fish Is Best?
We’re looking to make a batter-free fish fry for this recipe, so you want to go with flaky fish. White fish fillets like cod, tilapia, and haddock are excellent choices due to their mild flavor. Cod is my favorite because of its firm yet tender flesh and delicate, clean taste. Haddock is a close second because it’s cheaper and has a sweeter flavor than cod. However, tilapia is the most affordable, and its delicate texture allows it to cook quickly, for better or worse—just keep an eye on it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover fish can be stored in your fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
No Friday night fish fry, air-fried or otherwise, is complete without Tartar Sauce. In Wisconsin, tartar sauce is a non-negotiable requirement. And hey, since you already fired up the air fryer, you might as well make some Homemade French Fries! You’ll also have to try this excellent Fries Seasoning recipe. Serve it with a side of German Cucumber Salad, and you have a delicious meal. All this dinner needs is a dessert, like Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream or a Vegan Milkshake, because we might as well keep this healthy streak going.
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce white fish fillets such as cod or tilapia
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the spice mixture onto both sides of the fish fillets evenly.
- Place the seasoned fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment