Air Fryer Fish Fillet (Crispy & Tender)

Intro

Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside — this air fryer fish fillet is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic seafood dish without the mess of deep frying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s seasoned to perfection and air-fried in under 15 minutes!

Ingredients (Serves 2)

2 fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, or basa — 150–200g each)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko (optional, for extra crunch)

Cooking spray or a little extra oil (for the basket)

Optional Marinade (Add Extra Flavor!)

Combine:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp minced garlic

1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Salt & pepper

Marinate the fish for 15–30 minutes (refrigerated) for enhanced flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Fish

Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.

If not marinating, brush both sides with olive oil and rub with all the spices: garlic powder, paprika, pepper, salt, thyme.

For a crispy version, press the seasoned fillets into breadcrumbs or panko on both sides.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Temperature: 200°C / 400°F

Time: 3–5 minutes

Place Fish in Basket

Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper (with holes).

Lay the fish fillets in a single layer (don’t overlap).

Air Fry

Temperature: 200°C / 400°F

Time: 10–12 minutes total

Flip halfway (around 5–6 minutes in) for even cooking.

Check for doneness: Internal temp should be 63°C / 145°F, or it flakes easily with a fork.

Optional Crisp Boost: Spray the top lightly with oil before flipping for a golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon wedges for squeezing

Tartar sauce or garlic aioli

Side of roasted veggies, salad, or fries

Cleanup Tip

Let the basket cool, then soak it with warm water and dish soap — easy cleanup with no oil splatter!