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.
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
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.
Notes
Swap panko for crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for variation.
Try Cajun or Old Bay seasoning for a flavor boost.
Buttermilk can replace eggs for a tangy twist.
Use vegan mayo, relish, and lemon juice for a dairy-free tartar sauce.
This method works well with thin salmon fillets too.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Do not freeze the cooked fish as it may lose its crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
