Air Fryer Fish Fillets
These air fryer fish fillets are perfectly seasoned with a light, crispy coating and flaky, tender fish inside. They’re quick, healthy, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (cod, haddock, tilapia, pollock, or halibut), about 5–6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy coating)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare the fish: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season: Brush both sides with olive oil. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the fish.
- Add a crispy coating (optional): Combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Press the seasoned fillets into the mixture to coat both sides.
- Arrange: Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
- Air fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Thicker fillets may need an extra 2–3 minutes of cooking time.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the breaded fillets with cooking oil for an extra-crispy finish.
- Fresh fish gives the best texture, but thawed frozen fillets work well too.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Herb: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and extra parsley to the seasoning.
- Cajun: Replace the seasoning blend with Cajun seasoning.
- Garlic Parmesan: Increase the Parmesan to ¼ cup and add a little extra garlic powder.
- Spicy: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Roasted Vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Rice Pilaf
- Garden Salad
- Tartar Sauce or Garlic Aioli
Storage
Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid overcooking, as the fish can dry out.