Crispy and crunchy Air Fryer Fish is a simple recipe that will satisfy your fried fish cravings! Make up this quick and easy dish in just 20 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
Dredge the Fish: Add mayonnaise and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk until combined. Place fish filets into the mayonnaise mixture and toss until completely covered.
1 ½ lbs. white fish fillets, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Coat the Fish: Mix together cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium-sized shallow bowl. Dip each filet into the cornmeal mixture and coat all sides.
½ cup cornmeal, ½ cup all purpose flour, 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp. paprika, ½ tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper
Cook in Air Fryer: Place the coated fish filets into a 6-quart Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400 °F for 8-10 minutes.* Flip filets over after 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining filets. You’ll know the fish is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork.
This recipe works well with cod, sole, halibut, or any other firm and mild-tasting white fish. You’ll need to cook the fish longer for thick filets, and shorter for thinner filets.Prep-Ahead Instructions:You can mix up the coating and binder in advance, or store separately until ready to use.Storage Directions:Keep air fried fish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, arrange fried fish in a single layer and freeze for 2-3 hours; then transfer to a freezer safe Ziploc bag for up to 3-4 months. Add fried fish back into the air fryer at 350° for 3-5 minutes or until heated through to warm back up.Recipe Tips:
Coat it first. Using mayonnaise as a binder adds flavor, and gets the coating to stick better.
Get the right texture. Choose a firm, white fish so that it will be flaky while still holding its shape.
Look at the thickness. Fillets closer to ¼-inch thick will be done in as little as 8 minutes. Thicker fish can take 10 minutes or more.
When it flakes, it's finished. No need to pull out the meat thermometer, when the middle of the fish flakes easily with a fork, it's ready to eat!
Make it spicy! Substitute the Cajun seasoning for a blackened seasoning.