I’ve always loved crispy fish, but I don’t always love the heavy oil or greasy feeling that comes with traditional frying. That’s why I’m so hooked on making breaded fish in the air fryer—it’s light, crunchy, and full of flavor without all the excess oil. The first time I tried it, I was surprised at how perfectly golden and crisp the crust turned out, while the fish inside stayed moist and flaky.
This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dinners when I want something satisfying but not complicated. The air fryer does most of the work, and cleanup is minimal—perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual weekend meal. Plus, you can pair it with just about anything: a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even some homemade fries if you’re feeling classic.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
White fish fillets: You’ll want a mild, flaky white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock. These types of fish hold up well to breading and cook evenly in the air fryer without drying out.
Breadcrumbs: This is what gives your fish that irresistible crunch. You can use plain, Italian-seasoned, or even panko for extra crispiness. If you want a more golden finish, panko breadcrumbs are especially good.
Flour: A light dusting of all-purpose flour helps the coating stick to the fish. It acts as the base layer so your egg wash and breadcrumbs cling perfectly.
Eggs: The egg wash works like glue between the flour and the breadcrumbs, ensuring the breading doesn’t fall off while cooking. Be sure to beat them well before dipping.
Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika gives the fish flavor without overpowering its natural taste. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Cooking spray: A quick spritz on the breaded fillets before air frying helps them achieve that golden, crispy crust without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients List
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Breaded Fish
Step 1: Prepare the breading station
Set up three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings. This makes the process quick and organized.
Step 2: Coat the fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each fillet first in flour, then into the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well-covered on all sides.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps the breading crisp up right away.
Step 4: Arrange the fillets
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded fillets in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops with cooking spray as well.
Step 5: Cook until golden
Air fry the fish at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish should be golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary so the air can circulate properly.
- For extra crunch, mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs.
- If your fillets are thick, you may need to add an extra 2–3 minutes of cook time.
- Always pat the fish dry before breading; excess moisture can make the coating soggy.
- Serve immediately while the crust is still crispy—this is when it tastes the best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, but make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before breading to avoid soggy coating.
What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest result, but regular or Italian-style breadcrumbs also work well.
Do I need to flip the fish in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures both sides cook evenly and get that golden crisp.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
What should I serve with breaded fish?
Classic sides like fries or roasted potatoes are always a hit, but a light salad or steamed vegetables balance it out beautifully.