Looking for a mid-week meal that’s delicious, easy, and healthy? Look no further! This air fryer breaded fish and potatoes is the perfect solution. It’s crispy, golden, and as satisfying as your favourite takeaway. Minus the extra calories, cost, and greasy mess! The best part? It’s cooked using an air fryer, which allows you to enjoy that perfect crunch without sacrificing healthiness. Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, providing a healthier way to enjoy crispy foods without all the oil and grease typically used in traditional frying.
The beauty of this meal lies in how easy and quick it is to make. With flaky fish fillets coated in a crunchy breadcrumb layer and perfectly cooked potatoes, everything is done in the air fryer. No more spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with a pile of greasy pans. The air fryer cooks the fish to crispy perfection while keeping it tender and flaky inside, and the potatoes come out golden and delicious, just the way you like them.
This dish is the ultimate fake-away – healthier, cheaper, and just as delicious as what you’d order from your favourite takeaway spot. The combination of crispy breaded fish and tender, perfectly roasted potatoes makes for a comforting meal that’s ideal for busy weekdays when you want something satisfying but don’t have the time or energy for a long cooking session. With this recipe, you can enjoy your favourite crispy foods without the guilt. So, why not skip the takeaway and treat yourself to this simple yet delicious meal that’s sure to become a new weekly staple? It’s healthier, easier, and just as tasty. What’s not to love?
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 18 – 20 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, kitchen roll and mixing bowls.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Breaded Fish
2 pieces of cod
½ packet of salt and pepper mix, about 2 tbs (Or you can make your own)
2 tbs of plain flour
2 eggs, beaten
Two slices of white bread
400g of baby new potatoes, chopped
Seasoning
Olive oil spray
To serve:
1 lemon
150g frozen peas
Tartar sauce
Method
So start by patting your fish fillets dry using kitchen roll – this helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispier result. Once dry, set them aside while you prepare the rest.
If you have a blender or NutriBullet, place a few slices of white bread inside and blitz for around 10 seconds, or until you get fine breadcrumbs. Of course, you can use shop-bought breadcrumbs if you prefer. Then set up your coating station: one bowl with plain flour, another with a beaten egg, and the third with your breadcrumbs.
Now, take your baby potatoes and chop them into small, evenly sized cubes. This helps them cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Add them to a bowl, spray lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Shake the bowl well so every piece is coated in the oil and seasoning. Set aside.
Next, lightly spray your fish fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then coat each fillet in the flour, dip into the beaten egg, and finally roll them in the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
Then place your breaded fish fillets into the air fryer basket, keeping the crisper trays in for the best texture. Scatter the seasoned baby potatoes around the fish, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
So set your air fryer to 200°C and cook for 18 to 20 minutes. Then turn everything halfway through to ensure the fish is golden and the potatoes are evenly crisped. So the fish should be flaky and cooked through, and the potatoes should be golden and tender.
Serve immediately with a side of peas, a squeeze of lemon over the fish, and don’t forget a generous dollop of tartare sauce for that perfect finishing touch!
Tips for Air Fryer Breaded Fish
1. Choose the right fish
Start with a firm white fish like cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia. These varieties hold their shape well and cook beautifully in the air fryer. Make sure your fillets are of similar size and thickness, so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
2. Pat the fish dry first
Remove excess moisture with kitchen paper before breading. This helps the coating stick better and crisp up in the air fryer.
3. Set up a breading station
Dip in flour (seasoned), then beaten egg, and finally breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch!). Press gently to help the crumbs stick.
4. Don’t forget to season
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika to your flour and breadcrumb mix for added flavour in every bite.
5. Preheat your air fryer
Preheating to 200°C (390°F) ensures the breading starts crisping straight away for a golden, crunchy coating.
6. Lightly oil the fish
Spray or brush the breaded fish lightly with oil. This helps mimic deep-frying results without the extra fat.
7. Use a liner or rack
Place fish in a single layer on a perforated liner or rack to promote airflow and avoid sticking.
8. Flip halfway through
Carefully turn the fish at the halfway point to ensure even browning and crispness on both sides.
9. Don’t overcrowd
Leave space between fillets so the air can circulate. Cook in batches if necessary for the best texture.
10. Serve immediately
Air-fried breaded fish is best served hot. Try it with a squeeze of lemon, tartare sauce, or over a crisp salad.
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Keep the air fryer inspiration going and mix and match these recipes to create your own comforting meal combos!
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