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Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/air-fryer-fish/

Crispy air fryer fish is served on a white plate with fresh lemon and tartar sauce.
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4.80 from 20 votes

Air Fryer Fish Recipe

This Air Fryer Fish has a crispy, golden cornmeal crust that rivals a proper Southern fish fry, but without all the oil and mess. A quick mayonnaise dredge keeps the seasoned coating locked on tight, and the whole thing is ready in about 20 minutes. If you've been chasing that fried fish crunch at home, this is how you get it.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: main dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Author: London Brazil

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds white fish fillets about ¼- to ½-inch thick
  • ½ cup cornmeal medium grind
  • ½ cup all purpose flour or gluten-free 1-to-1
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning or Old Bay
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • 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 pounds white fish fillets, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    The fish fillets are covered in mayonnaise in a bowl.
  • 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 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    The fish fillets are coated in a cornmeal and flour mixture.
  • 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.
    The fish is air fried until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve Air Fryer Fish with Tartar Sauce, Remoulade, or Secret Sauce.

Notes

  • Fish: This recipe works well with cod, sole, halibut, tilapia, catfish, or any firm, mild white fish. Look for fillets that are about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick for the best results. Thicker fillets will need a couple extra minutes of cook time.
  • Mayo trick: The mayonnaise acts as the binder and adds flavor. It's the reason the cornmeal crust sticks so well and doesn't fall off during cooking.
  • Seasoning: Swap the Cajun seasoning for blackened seasoning or Old Bay for a different flavor profile.
  • Don't overcrowd: Cook the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your fillets don't all fit, cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Skip the microwave or the coating will get soggy.
  • Serving: Great with Fish Taco Slaw, tartar sauce, Secret Sauce, or Lime Crema. Perfect for Lent-friendly Fridays!

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 441mg | Potassium: 574mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1266IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
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