Air fryer fish is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that cooks up crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s also much healthier than deep fried fish since you’re using far less oil, but still gets that delicious fried texture. You can use it as an easy appetizer, or as the main course alongside your favorite sides. Whether you’re a pescatarian or just a fish lover, you can’t go wrong with this healthy air fryer recipe.

The easiest way to make air fryer fish is to coat the filets in a breadcrumb mixture and then bake them. To do this, pat the fish fillets dry and then add a mixture of seasoned flour (I like to add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika), eggs, and panko breadcrumbs to create the coating. Then, work in batches to air fry the filets until they are cooked through and a fork inserted into them breaks apart easily.

You can also cook frozen fish in the air fryer if you’re in a rush or don’t have any fresh fish on hand. However, you may have to adjust the cooking time depending on how thick the filets are and whether they’re thawed or frozen. To avoid overcooking the fish, you can cut them into equal sized strips so they all cook at roughly the same rate. You can also experiment with different seasonings to add new flavors to the fried fish. Try smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even just lemon pepper to get a unique flavor that’s a little different from your usual fish dishes.

To cook frozen fish in the air fryer, place a silicone liner or a square of perforated parchment paper into the base of your air fryer (if it doesn’t already have one). Then, lay the filets on top, making sure they are not touching each other. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly around them so they all cook evenly and quickly. You can also use a spray of olive or cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking.

Cook the fish in the air fryer at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know the fish is done cooking when it flakes apart easily with a fork and has a golden brown color on the outside. The fish can be served immediately, or if needed it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 2 days. However, it is best eaten the day it’s made to ensure it’s crispy and tasty. You can pair it with your favorite air fryer sides like french fries, hush puppies, or a side salad for a delicious meal. You can also serve it with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for extra flavor and added moisture.