I’ve always had a soft spot for golden, crispy battered fish, but I’ll be honest—deep frying can feel like a hassle. Between the hot oil, the cleanup, and the lingering smell, it often feels easier to just skip it altogether. That’s where my air fryer comes in to save the day. It gives me that same satisfying crunch without the heavy oil or mess, and I can enjoy my favorite comfort food any night of the week.
The best part is that this air fryer battered fish comes out perfectly flaky on the inside and crisp on the outside, just like something you’d order at a seaside pub. It’s a lighter, cleaner version that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Paired with a squeeze of lemon and maybe some homemade tartar sauce, it’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
White fish fillets: A firm, mild fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia works best. The neutral flavor allows the seasoned batter to shine while staying tender and flaky after cooking.
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the batter. It gives structure and helps the coating cling to the fish. A light dusting of flour on the fillets before dipping also ensures the batter sticks evenly.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch makes the coating extra light and crisp. It prevents the batter from feeling heavy and creates that irresistible crunch when you bite in.
Baking powder: A touch of baking powder brings airy lift to the batter, keeping it from becoming too dense. It’s a little trick that makes the coating more delicate and crispy.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika): These give the batter a burst of flavor so the fish doesn’t taste bland. The paprika adds a hint of smokiness, while garlic powder keeps things savory.
Cold sparkling water: Using sparkling water in place of still water is a game changer. The bubbles add lightness, making the batter crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Make sure it’s very cold for the best results.
Cooking spray: A light spritz on the battered fish helps it achieve that golden, fried look without the need for deep oil. It’s the finishing touch that makes the crust irresistibly crisp.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Battered Fish
Step 1: Prepare the fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important because excess moisture can make the batter slip off. Cut the fillets into even portions if they are large.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water while whisking until a smooth batter forms. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Coat the fish
Lightly dredge each fish fillet in a little extra flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip the fillets into the batter, making sure they’re fully coated. Let any extra batter drip off before transferring them to the air fryer.
Step 4: Air fry the fish
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the battered fish in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Remove the fish carefully and serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or even a side of crispy fries for the ultimate meal.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Keep the sparkling water very cold; it makes the batter lighter and crispier.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary.
- For extra crispiness, spray the fish again halfway through cooking.
- Use parchment liners in the air fryer to prevent sticking, but make sure they’re perforated for airflow.
- Serve the fish right away; the crust is crispiest fresh from the fryer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them completely dry before battering. Otherwise, the coating won’t stick well.
What if I don’t have sparkling water?
You can use cold still water, but the batter won’t be quite as light and crispy. Club soda works as a good substitute.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it includes a starch for the right texture.
How do I reheat leftover fish?
Pop it back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes to crisp it up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
What sauces go best with this fish?
Classic tartar sauce is a winner, but you can also try aioli, spicy mayo, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon.