Name: Crispy Air Fryer White Fish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or haddock); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray; Lemon wedges, for serving

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Perfectly crispy, golden-brown white fish fillets made effortlessly in the air fryer—this Crispy Air Fryer White Fish recipe has quickly become one of my weeknight go-tos. It delivers everything I love in a classic fried fish dish but without the mess or heaviness of deep frying. With minimal oil and easy steps, I get flaky, tender fish in under 25 minutes.

Crispy Air Fryer White Fish

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or haddock work great)

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

I pat the fish fillets dry using paper towels to help the coating stick.

In one shallow bowl, I mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a second bowl, I beat the eggs with hot sauce (for an extra kick).

In a third bowl, I pour in the panko breadcrumbs.

I dip each fillet in the flour mixture first, then the egg mixture, and finally press them into the panko until evenly coated.

I lightly spray both sides of the coated fish with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.

I place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.

I cook the fillets for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and flake easily with a fork.

I serve the fish hot with fresh lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Total time: 22 minutes

Each serving has approximately 280 kcal.

Variations

I sometimes swap the panko for crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a different texture.

I use Cajun or Old Bay seasoning in place of the spice blend when I want a bolder flavor.

I occasionally skip the egg and use buttermilk instead for a tangy twist.

For a dairy-free tartar sauce, I mix vegan mayo with relish and lemon juice.

I’ve also made this with thin salmon fillets—the method works just as well.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For reheating, I pop the fillets back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes to bring back their crispiness. I avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy.
I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture can suffer.

FAQs

How do I know when the fish is done?

I check that the coating is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) also means it's fully cooked.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

What’s the best fish to use?

I prefer mild white fish like tilapia, cod, or haddock. They cook evenly in the air fryer and have a great texture when breaded.

Do I need to flip the fish in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping the fish halfway through cooking helps both sides get crispy and evenly browned.

Can I prep this in advance?

I don’t recommend breading the fish ahead of time, as it can get soggy. But I often prep the dredging bowls in advance to speed things up.

Conclusion

This Crispy Air Fryer White Fish has become a regular in my meal rotation because it’s quick, easy, and satisfying. I get a crunchy, golden coating with tender fish inside—no deep frying needed. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Once I tried it, I never looked back.

Recipe:

Crispy Air Fryer White Fish

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Crispy Air Fryer White Fish is a healthier, mess-free alternative to traditional fried fish. Coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden perfection, it's flaky on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks.
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In a second bowl, beat the eggs with hot sauce, if using.
In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat each fillet by dipping it into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally pressing it into the panko until fully coated.
Spray or drizzle both sides of the fish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Place the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and flaky.
Serve hot with lemon wedges.