How to Make Crispy Air-Fryer Fish and Chips in Minutes

Welcome to the delightful world of guilt-free indulgence with our mouthwatering dish: Air-Fryer Fish and Chips. Get ready to satisfy your cravings for the classic British comfort food without the excess oil and calories. With our innovative air-frying technique, you can enjoy crispy, golden-brown fish fillets, and perfectly cooked chips right in the comfort of your own home.

Benefits Of Using An Air Fryer For Fish And Chips

First and foremost, the air fryer allows you to achieve that deliciously crispy texture without excessive oil. This means you can enjoy your favorite fish and chips guilt-free, as they will be significantly lower in fat than traditional deep frying methods.

Additionally, using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time. With just a few minutes of preheating and simple preparation, your fish and chips will be ready to serve in no time. This is especially helpful on busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

Another advantage of using an air fryer is that it helps retain the natural flavors of the fish and potatoes. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, resulting in perfectly cooked fish that is tender and crispy on the outside. The same goes for the chips – they’ll turn out golden brown with a satisfying crunch.

Lastly, cleaning up after using an air fryer is quick and hassle-free. Most models have dishwasher-safe removable parts, making cleanup a breeze.

Choosing The Right Fish For Air Frying

Choosing the right fish is critical when making crispy air-fryer fish and chips. You want a fish that will cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer while retaining moisture and flavor.

I recommend using white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or tilapia for air frying. These fish have a mild flavor that pairs well with the crunchy coating, allowing the fish’s natural taste to shine.

Choosing thicker fillets ensures they don’t dry out during cooking. Thicker cuts of fish, like 1-inch thick fillets, work best for air frying. They will remain juicy and flaky inside while developing a deliciously crispy exterior.

You can also try salmon or trout fillets in the air fryer if you prefer a more robust flavor. Just keep in mind that these types of fish may require slightly longer cooking times due to their higher fat content.

Creating A Crunchy Panko Coating For The Fish

Season your breadcrumbs with herbs and spices to create the perfect panko coating. I like to use a mixture of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavorful kick. To customize the flavor, you can also experiment with adding other seasonings, like dried herbs or chili powder.

Next, dip your fish fillets into beaten eggs before coating them in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. The eggs act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the fish and creating that satisfying crunch when cooked.

Press the panko coating firmly onto the fish to ensure an even distribution and maximum crispiness. You can lightly spray or brush the coated fillets with oil before placing them in the air fryer for that extra golden crust.

Preparing Homemade Or Frozen Chips For The Air Fryer

If you’re making homemade chips, start by washing and peeling your potatoes. Cut them into thick strips or wedges, ensuring they are all similar in size for even cooking. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch.

Next, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with a little oil – I like to use olive oil for added flavor. Toss the chips gently to coat them evenly.

For frozen chips, remove them from the packaging and place them in a bowl. There is no need to thaw them beforehand.

Once your chips are coated in oil (whether homemade or frozen), season them generously with salt and any other desired spices or herbs. Mix well so that all of the chips are flavored.

Read more:

• Fish Tacos Recipe

Tips For Perfectly Cooked And Crispy Fish And Chips

1. Preheat the air fryer: It’s essential to preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps create a hot and consistent cooking environment for your fish and chips.
2. Use a coating: Dip the fish in beaten egg or milk, then coat it with breadcrumbs or panko. This will give the fish a deliciously crispy texture.
3. Flip halfway through: Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip your fish to ensure even browning on both sides. This helps achieve a uniform crispiness all around.
4. Don’t overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steam instead of crispness.
5. Keep an eye on the timing: Air frying times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your fish fillets or chips. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece of fish to ensure it’s cooked without overdone.

Serving And Garnishing Your Air Fryer Fish And Chips

Here are my favorite ways to present and enhance the flavors of your dish:

1. Plating: Start by arranging a generous portion of golden-brown fish fillets alongside a mound of crispy homemade or frozen chips on a plate.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly minced parsley over your fish and chips. The vibrant green color adds a pop of freshness and complements the flavors beautifully.
3. Add Lemon Slices: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the fish just before eating enhances its natural flavors and provides a zesty kick.
4. Dipping Sauces: Offer tartar sauce and ketchup as classic accompaniments for dipping your fish and chips. These tangy sauces add an extra layer of flavor to each bite.