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If you are craving a classic comfort meal with a modern twist, this Air-Fryer Fish & Chips Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, flaky white fish with perfectly crisp, golden fries, this dish brings the beloved British pub favorite right to your kitchen without the hassle of deep frying. The air fryer creates that irresistible crunch on the outside while keeping the inside moist and flavorful, making it a healthier yet indulgent option you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best results from your Air-Fryer Fish & Chips Recipe is all about simple, quality ingredients that each play a key role. From the mild-flavored fish that flakes beautifully to the spices and coatings that build incredible texture and flavor, every component contributes to creating a delightful meal.
- White Fish Fillets: Four pieces, about 150 grams each, are perfect for a mild, flaky bite that soaks up the crunchy coating beautifully.
- Potatoes: Three medium, peeled and cut into thick fries—russets work best for crisp, golden edges and a soft inside.
- Breadcrumbs (Panko preferred): One cup adds an airy, crispy crust that makes each bite satisfyingly crunchy.
- Eggs: Two beaten eggs act as the perfect binder, holding the breadcrumbs tightly to the fish.
- Flour: Half a cup forms the essential base layer that ensures the coating sticks well and crisps up nicely.
- Salt: One teaspoon to elevate and balance all the savory flavors.
- Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon to add just a gentle, warming spice.
- Paprika: One teaspoon for a subtle smoky flavor and a lovely rich color.
- Cooking Spray: As needed to encourage crisping without oil soaking, perfect for air frying.
How to Make Air-Fryer Fish & Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by heating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Preheating for about five minutes sets the perfect temperature to get your fish and chips crispy and cooked evenly, just like a traditional fryer but without the excess oil.
Step 2: Prepare Your Coating Stations
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika; one with the beaten eggs; and one with the panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line approach keeps the breading process smooth and even, ensuring your fish gets a perfectly crunchy coat every time you dip and dredge.
Step 3: Grease the Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This small step prevents sticking and helps both the fries and fish crisp up gorgeously on all sides without drying out.
Step 4: Coat the Fish and Prepare the Fries
First, dredge each fish fillet in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully covered. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by a generous coating of panko breadcrumbs. For the fries, toss them in a light spray of oil and a sprinkle of salt to enhance their natural flavor and encourage crispness during cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry Your Fries and Fish
Place the fries in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking. When the fries are almost done, add in the fish and air fry the fillets for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once gently to ensure golden, crisp crusts and tender fish inside.
Step 6: Garnish and Add Flavor
Once cooked, garnish your fish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh aroma. A squeeze of lemon is optional but highly recommended to brighten up those delicious flavors.
Step 7: Serve It Up Hot
Serve your Air-Fryer Fish & Chips Recipe piping hot with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. The crispy fish paired with golden fries makes for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Serve Air-Fryer Fish & Chips Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lively burst of green and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the dish beautifully. Don’t forget a wedge or two of lemon on the side, ready to lend a tangy zest that lifts and balances the richness of the fried fish.
Side Dishes
While this recipe shines on its own, pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some steamed green beans gives you a nutritious, colorful contrast. Classic coleslaw also pairs perfectly, adding creaminess and crunch that makes every bite even more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fish and chips in rustic paper cones for a vintage street-food vibe. You can also layer the fries in a basket lined with parchment paper and place the fish fillets on a bed of fresh greens for an elegant touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover fish and chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps maintain freshness while preventing moisture from making the coating soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked coated fish fillets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. When ready, cook them straight from frozen right in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to revive crispy leftovers is by reheating them in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This method avoids sogginess, restoring that delightful crunch perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this Air-Fryer Fish & Chips Recipe?
Absolutely! While white fish like cod or haddock is traditionally preferred for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can also try tilapia, pollock, or even catfish. Just make sure the fillets are thick enough to hold up to air frying.
Is this recipe healthy compared to traditional frying?
Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, resulting in fewer calories and less fat while still delivering that satisfying crispy texture. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite fish and chips more guilt-free.
Can I make the fries ahead of time?
You can cut and soak the fries in cold water up to several hours ahead to reduce starch and improve crispiness, but it’s best to air fry them fresh for optimal texture.
What seasoning can I add to the fries for extra flavor?
Feel free to experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper alongside your salt to add an exciting twist to classic fries.
Can I cook fish and fries together in the air fryer basket?
It’s best to cook them separately or stagger the cooking times since fries take longer. Cooking them together without careful timing might result in overcooked fish or underdone fries. Start the fries first, then add the fish later for the best balance.
Final Thoughts
This Air-Fryer Fish & Chips Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves a crispy, comforting meal without the mess and heaviness of deep frying. It’s simple, fun to make, and absolutely delicious—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend feasts. Trust me, once you try it, this dish is going to become a fast favorite that you’ll want to share over and over again.
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Air-Fryer Fish & Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Air-Fryer Fish & Chips recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic British favorite by using an air fryer to achieve crispy, golden fish fillets and perfectly cooked fries with less oil. Featuring mild white fish coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, paired with thick-cut russet fries, this dish is quick to prepare and delivers satisfying texture and flavor without deep frying.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 White Fish Fillets (about 150g each) – mild and flaky, ideal for breading and air frying
- ½ cup Flour
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Cooking Spray, as needed
Fries
- 3 medium Potatoes, peeled and cut into thick fries (Russet potatoes recommended)
- Salt, to taste
- Cooking Spray or oil spray, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the fish and fries.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three separate bowls – one with the flour mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika; one with the beaten eggs; and one with the panko breadcrumbs. This will streamline the dredging process.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Bread the Fish: Dredge each white fish fillet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare Fries: Toss the cut potatoes with salt and a light spray of cooking oil to enhance crisping.
- Cook Fries: Place fries in the air fryer basket and cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Cook Fish: After fries are done, place the breaded fish fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the crust is golden and the fish is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cooked fish and fries with chopped parsley and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately with tartar sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Russet potatoes work best for fries due to their high starch content, resulting in crispier edges.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the fish with cooking spray before air frying.
- Monitor the cooking times as air fryer models may vary in temperature efficiency.
- Leftover fries and fish can be reheated in the air fryer for best texture retention.
