Air Fryer Fish and Chips
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Make Air Fryer Fish and Chips with simple, staple ingredients in a few easy steps. It’s a delicious meal for the whole family that requires very little effort — perfect for busy weeknights! And because this fish and chips recipe for the air fryer uses very little oil, you can feel good about serving it too.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips
For those unfamiliar with this UK dish, it’s a pairing of battered, fried fish and crispy french fries — or “chips” as they call them across the pond.
You can also find different versions of fish and chips along the coastal regions of the US, including New England (home of the creamy clam chowder) or the Southern Gulf where it’s often made with catfish.
While best known as greasy pub food, you can make fish and chips in the air fryer with very little oil and still enjoy that deliciously crispy, crunchy texture.
In fact, the air fryer is the best way to enjoy all of your deep-fried favorites — fried chicken, pickle chips, eggrolls, and more — while looking out for your health!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Fish Filets – I like to use cod, but any white fish will work for this air fryer fish and chips recipe. Different varieties have different thicknesses, which will affect cooking time.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to always check that your fish is cooked to an internal temperature of 140-145°F. - Seasoned Flour – Whisk all-purpose flour with some Old Bay seasoning for flavor. You could also use Cajun or Creole seasoning if you prefer a spicy version.
- Eggs & Buttermilk – This mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick to the fish. Feel free to use regular milk or even water in a pinch, though you’ll lose out on the tangy flavor.
And if you have the milk already, mix in a few drops of lemon juice before whisking with the eggs for an easy substitute! - Plain Breadcrumbs – Mix these with some Old Bay too!
You can use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture, but they tend to be drier than regular breadcrumbs.
Plus, you’ll need about an extra cup for this air fryer fish and chips recipe because of the larger pieces.
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Fish and Chips in Air Fryer
- Dry the fish well before breading.
Pat the filets all over with paper towels, really soaking up as much moisture as you can.
Any excess moisture will cause the breading to slide off and prevent the fish from getting crispy.
If you’re using thawed, frozen fish, do two rounds of blotting to be sure.
- Use the dry hand, wet hand method.
This keeps your seasoned flour from getting lumpy and makes the whole process go a lot smoother too.
Use one hand to dip the filets in the flour mixture and transfer gently to the bowl of eggs and buttermilk.
Then, use your other hand to move it to the breadcrumbs and coat thoroughly on both sides.
Wide, shallow bowls make it much easier to coat the fish evenly. If you don’t have any, try pie plates!
- Cook in a single layer — and don’t forget the oil!
Air fry the breaded fish in batches, leaving space between each filet so they are easier to flip.
You will need a small amount of oil to make this fish and chips recipe in the air fryer, but it’s far less than if you deep-fried the food on the stove.
Spray both sides of the breaded filets with cooking oil — this helps the coating stay on and gives the fish an extra crispy texture.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Air Fryer – Different brands and sizes may require different cooking times, so be familiar with your model and make adjustments as needed.
- Shallow Bowls for dredging
- Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them.
- Tongs – I love this set of 3, and I use every pair of them. They are so handy and grip amazingly well!
Serving Suggestions
Cook a batch of fries — frozen or fresh — to complete this fish and chips recipe for the air fryer. Or, swap in onion rings if you’d like!
While they cook, slice some lemon wedges and fill a small bowl with tartar sauce or ketchup for dipping.
I love pairing air fryer fish and chips with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob. And for a more elevated spread, try grilled asparagus or this cucumber onion salad with vinegar.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Transfer any leftover fish to an airtight container once cool. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
Reheat battered fish in the air fryer to get it crispy again — about 3-4 minutes at 400°F. The oven is the next best choice, but avoid the microwave as it will become soggy.
And since the “chips” part of air fryer fish and chips is cooked separately, it’s best to cook only what you plan to eat. Reheated fries just don’t taste the same!
Fish and Chips Recipe Air Fryer FAQ
It’s tricky, but doable — only if your air fryer is large enough and you’re cooking a single serving of each.
Better to cook the fries, then keep them warm in the oven or microwave while you air fry the fish. Or, alternate fish and fries so you’ve got a hot batch of each when serving.
To make a single serving of air fryer fish and chips:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the fries for about 10 minutes.
2. Give the basket a shake, push them to one side, and add 1-2 battered fish filets.
3. Continue cooking for 6-10 minutes, flipping the fish halfway, until both are crispy and the fish is cooked through.
Any firm, white fish is perfect for battered and fried fish. Cod or haddock is the top choice for fish and chips, but pollock, halibut, or tilapia are good alternatives.
Keep in mind that each variety will vary in thickness, affecting the cooking time and overall eating experience.
Yes, you can prepare the breaded fish in advance and freeze it for later. Arrange the filets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe storage bag or container.
When you’re ready to eat, air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Air Fryer Fish and Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound white fish filets, thawed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
Optional
- French fries, on the side
- Tartar sauce, optional side
- Lemon wedges, optional garnish
Instructions
- Pat the fish filets dry with clean paper towels.
- In a shallow dipping dish, mix together the flour and 1 Tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning until well combined.
- Whisk together the eggs and buttermilk in a second shallow dipping dish and set next to the flour dish.
- Finally, mix together the plain breadcrumbs with the remaining Old Bay Seasoning until fully combined.
- Dip a filet of flounder in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Next, dip it in the egg mixture and then press lightly into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat.
- Place the coated filet on a clean plate and repeat with all remaining filets.
- Spray each side of the coated filets well with cooking spray.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then cook the filets in single layers in your airfryer for 6-10 minutes, carefully turning halfway through cooking. You may need to do multiple batches so the fryer isn’t overcrowded.
- Serve hot with french fries, tartar sauce and lemon wedges, optional.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2024
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Absolutely delicious! My family couldn’t get enough of it. The Slow Roasted Italian never disappoints.
Hi Brooklyn!
Glad that you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn