Air Fried Crumbed Fish Recipe

White fish fillets: These are the main protein for the dish, providing a mild flavor that pairs well with the crispy coating.

Breadcrumbs: These create the crunchy exterior for the fish, essential for that perfect texture.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.

Paprika: Adds a mild heat and a beautiful color to the coating.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the seasoning.

Eggs: Used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the fish fillets.

Olive oil spray: Helps to achieve a golden, crispy crust in the air fryer.

To achieve an even crispier coating on your fish fillets, consider double-dipping. After the initial coating with the breadcrumb mixture, dip the fillets back into the beaten eggs and then coat them again with the breadcrumbs. This extra layer will enhance the crunch and ensure the fillets are thoroughly covered.

• cod or tilapia white fish fillets - Substitute with haddock or pollock fillets: Haddock and pollock have a similar mild flavor and flaky texture, making them excellent substitutes for cod or tilapia.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crispy texture and can be a gluten-free alternative if needed.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good substitute for parmesan.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a vegan alternative to parmesan.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can add a similar depth of flavor if garlic powder is unavailable.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense garlic flavor, though the texture will be different.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a smoky flavor, enhancing the dish.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and color, though it is spicier than paprika.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar peppery flavor but is less visually noticeable in the dish.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the fish and adds a slight tangy flavor.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan binding agent.

• olive oil spray - Substitute with avocado oil spray: Avocado oil spray has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative to olive oil spray.

• olive oil spray - Substitute with coconut oil spray: Coconut oil spray can be used for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, though it may impart a slight coconut taste.

• Allow the fish fillets to cool completely after air frying. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the coating soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled fish fillets in an airtight container. Line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To freeze, lay the cooled fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the fillets are frozen solid.

• Once frozen, transfer the fish fillets to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date and type of fish. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.

• For reheating from the refrigerator, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the fish fillets for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are warmed through and regain their crispiness.

• Avoid microwaving the fish fillets as it can make the breadcrumb coating soggy.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover crumbed fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is warmed through and the coating is crispy again.

• Use your air fryer to reheat the fish. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish fillets in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is hot and the coating is crisp.

• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place the fish on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method might not keep the coating as crispy.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish on the toaster oven tray and heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is hot and the coating is crispy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the fish in the skillet and heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, until warmed through and crispy.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for achieving a crispy texture without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Whisk: Ideal for beating the eggs to ensure they are well mixed and smooth.

• Tongs: Useful for dipping the fish fillets into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture without making a mess.

• Olive oil spray: Ensures an even coating of oil on the fish fillets, which helps them become crispy in the air fryer.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper precisely.

• Plate: Handy for placing the coated fish fillets before transferring them to the air fryer.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the fish fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices in advance to save time.

Use parchment paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple fish fillets in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.

Preheat air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and reduce overall cooking time.

Efficient coating: Set up a dipping station with beaten eggs and breadcrumb mixture for a quick assembly line process.