How to make fish in an air fryer (no breading)

If you want a quick and easy meal, you must learn how to make fish in an air fryer without any breading.

This recipe has no breading on the fish and uses minimal spices, making it quick, easy, and healthy. You can make this recipe with fish fillets, Salmon, Tilapia, Cod, or any fish you choose.

I never realized frying fish in air fryers would be easy and healthy. I have barely used much oil, and the results were simply outstanding.

Depending on the amount of fish you are cooking, you need just 1-2 tbsp of oil. The fish will be crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.

The fish’s skin turned out all crispy, making this a really delicious fish with different textures. You can use this fish on tacos, in sandwiches, eaten with rice, or added to a curry.

You can serve this fish as you want, making it one of the easiest ways to make meals on a busy weekday.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• 4 fish fillets or pieces (such as tilapia, cod, or salmon; I have used around 400 grams of fish in this recipe)- I have used fish pieces and not fish fillets for this recipe, but this recipe would go great even with fish fillets, and you are going to love the results.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric- You can use this seasoning or skip it and use any other seasoning you choose.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer)

How to make fish in an air fryer (no breading)

1. Prep the Fish: You might want to clean the fish, and if it is frozen, you will need to thaw it before making this recipe.

This recipe involves seasoning the fish well, so it is best to do it on thawed fish. So, start by thawing, cleaning, and pat drying the fish before proceeding to the next step, where you would season and marinate the fish pieces.

2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix: Place all the fish pieces in a bowl. Mix turmeric, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt well. Let the fish rest for 20 minutes to half an hour at room temperature so it can soak up the seasonings. If you do not have this time, you can fry the fish directly in the air fryer.

3. Season and Cook the Fish: If you haven’t marinated the fish, you can use the seasoning mix directly.

While cooking, line the air fryer with parchment paper or a silicone liner as things will get messy. Place the seasoned fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Cook the fish pieces in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) in your air fryer(I used Philips air fryer) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.

Check for doneness by ensuring the fish meat turns opaque and white throughout. Use a fork to gently test if the fish flakes easily, indicating it is fully cooked. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and check again. Do not overcook the fish, as it will turn dry and will not taste great.

4. Serve: Once you think the fish is cooked, remove it carefully from the air fryer and serve the seasoned fish hot on tacos, sandwiches, or just as a standalone for dinner with a side of veggies and mashed potatoes.

How to serve Air Fryer Fish

1. Fish Tacos: I love tacos; they are so easy to make. Fill some warm, soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, avocado slices, and chunks of air-fried fish. Drizzle any of your favorite sauces, such as chipotle mayo or a squeeze of lime juice.

2. Fish and Chips: You can use a breaded fish recipe or just take this fish recipe and serve the crispy air-fried fish alongside a generous portion of crispy fries or potato wedges. Accompany with tartar sauce or malt vinegar for dipping.

3. Fish Sandwiches: Another way I love to eat this air fryer fish is to toast bread or buns and spread with tartar sauce or aioli. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and the air-fried fish fillet. Add some thinly sliced onions or coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor.

4. Curry with Air Fryer Fish: Prepare your favorite curry sauce (such as coconut, tomato, or yogurt-based) with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Add chunks of air-fried fish to the simmering curry and let it cook for a few minutes until heated. You can garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or roti.

5. Fish with Rice and Veggies: Serve the air-fried fish fillets alongside a bed of fluffy steamed rice. Add a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Drizzle with a light sauce or lemon butter for extra flavor.

6. Fish with Mashed Potatoes and Veggies: Plate the air-fried fish alongside a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes. Serve with your choice of steamed or roasted vegetables of your choice to get enoguh fibre in your diet. Finally, top the fish with a dollop of tartar sauce.

Tips to cook the perfect Air Fryer Fish

1. Space Management: Ensure that the fish fillets are laid out in the air fryer basket with enough space between them to allow proper air circulation and an even cooking.

2. Adjust Cooking Time for Delicate Fish: If you’re cooking delicate fish such as tilapia or salmon, consider reducing the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking. Check the fish after the 6-minute mark to gauge doneness.

3. Control Crispiness: If you prefer a less crispy exterior on your fish, you can lower the cooking temperature slightly. This helps to achieve a softer texture while still ensuring thorough cooking.

4. Experiment with Temperature and Time: Depending on the thickness of the fish fillets, be open to adjusting both the cooking temperature and time. Thicker fillets may require higher temperatures and longer cooking times, while thinner fillets may cook faster at lower temperatures.

Do you need to flip all fishes when cooking in air fryer?

Flipping fish fillets in the air fryer depends on their thickness and delicacy.

Thinner and delicate fillets like salmon or tilapia typically don’t need to be flipped during cooking, as the air circulation in the fryer is sufficient to cook them evenly.

I have used thicker fish pieces in this recipe, and flipping them may be necessary to ensure even cooking on both sides.

It is a good practice to flip thick fish pieces to ensure thorough cooking on both sides, especially if they have the bone in. Mine did and hence flipping was easier.

How do you know when the fish is done?

Determining the doneness of fish in an air fryer relies on two key indicators: internal temperature and visual cues of color and texture.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the fish has reached a safe level of doneness. For most types of fish, this is around 145°F (63°C).

Another way is to check the color and texture of the fish. A Fully cooked fish will turn opaque and easily flake with a fork.

A golden-brown crust on the outside indicates it has been cooked perfectly, with a tender and moist interior. I usually break a fish piece to see if it is done, but if you cook for guests, use the thermometer method.