Out Of The Blue And Into The Air Fryer: 11 Air Fryer Fish Recipes For Quick, Healthy Meals

Another weeknight meal to think about, and you want a decent protein served fast. We have “hooked” these 11 Air Fryer Fish Recipes just for you.

It’s not often you’ve got all the time in the world to putter over your next meal.

You want food on the table with a minimum of effort and time — but boxed macaroni and cheese is only good the first 300 times. 

Fear not: this is what your air-fryer was born for. Here’s 11 air fryer fish recipes that guarantee great success.

Judging by the volumes of air-fryer recipes we’ve got up, it should be quite apparent we’re in love with the thing. 

It’s certainly not new technology anymore but we don’t think most people that own one really know just how much
use you can get out of it.

The promise of somewhat “healthier” French fries and chicken wings alone was enough to convince us we needed an air-fryer.

But it’s good for loads of other stuff too, not least of which is fish. Yes, fish. 

Sure, throw a couple of pre-battered frozen fish sticks in there and in 10 minutes you’ll have yourself a perfectly
serviceable lunch but with only a little more ingenuity (and perhaps a trip to the store) you can whip up something we
promise you’ll find well worth the extra effort.

Sad face time: One of the failings of air fryers is that wet batter will not stick to foods.

Frozen, pre-cooked batter-dipped fish would be fine, in the way that frozen corn dogs heat up nicely in an air fryer. 
But if you try to put wet, uncooked batter into an air fryer, it will fling off, and everyone, especially your air fryer, will be sad.

From Southern fried catfish (#2’s got an undeniable comfort-food factor) to panko breaded salmon and even finger fish — there’s something for everyone!

1. Crunchy, Flaky Air Fryer Tilapia

We sometimes feel as though we’re on a lone mission to make tilapia sexy again.

O.K, perhaps it’s never quite had the raw sex appeal of say, some delicately pink salmon.

But few things are more useful to have in the fridge for an improvised lunch or dinner than a robust filet of tilapia.

Come to think of it, we’d probably have an easier time selling you on its utility instead. 

Case in point: this recipe, generously battered with crisp breadcrumbs and finished with fresh lemon juice. 

It’s all the encouragement you’ll need to eat more tilapia.

2. Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish

As Southerners, we’re mighty serious about our catfish and this recipe — cornmeal, buttermilk, Cajun spice — has the makings of our next #CookoutClassic.

Don’t forget the really hot sauce.

3. Air Fryer Fish With Parmesan Crumbles

The parmesan adds a sophisticated element to this easy, breezy midweek supper that’s sure to be popular with adults and little ones alike.

A side of skinny fries with sea salt and a rocket salad would really make this sing . . . as would a lovely white wine.

4. Air Fryer White Fish With Garlic And Lemon Pepper

Lemon pepper seasoning sits right alongside the salt and pepper on our table

It’s impossible to overestimate how much we love the stuff. 

Come wings-and-fries night, we could get through a jarful merely by taking turns judiciously dashing it over our plates.

Here, it’s been used to wonderful effect to brighten up some flaky white fish.

Serve alongside a verdant salad for a light, summer-y lunch.

5. Air Fryer Fish With A Golden Cornmeal Crust

Strictly speaking, you don’t need a cowboy hat to get this Southern style of cooking fish in the air fryer just right — but it doesn’t hurt.

Laid out on a red and white checked tablecloth; ethereally golden, gloriously crispy and accompanied by a bowl of tender collard greens; this is pure, unadulterated happiness on a plate.

6. Crispy Air Fryer Fish

This is a recipe that requires hardly any prior preparation, and is perfect for a fried fish sandwich. 

Take 2 baps of good old-fashioned cornbread, spread it generously with your favorite mayonnaise and slap in some pickles — there’s lunch.

Cooking Chew Tip: When we’ve had a really rotten day, we forego the cornbread in favor of a soft, white loaf that’s then deep fried in garlic butter. 

It gets 2 greasy thumbs up every time.

7. Air Fryer Fish Sticks

And to think we used to swap our fish-sticks for brownies in pre-school. For shame.

Here is the classic, revisited well into adulthood. These peppery, impressively-crunchy fish fingers are a real treat — ample proof that classics are classics for a reason.

Fish in the air fryer has never been quite so good.

8. Keto Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted White Fish

With its golden, cheesy crumb and tender, flaky flesh, this impressive, festive-looking recipe is as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate. 

It’s got a fair bit of summer about it, and has a way of drawing us out onto the porch with our plates no matter the weather.

9. Air Fryer Salmon

An assertively-lemony salmon supper bursting with fresh, zingy flavors. 

You’ve got to be fussy about the fish you use for this recipe — pick up a fresh filet from your fish counter — and of course, it’s not the same without a side of steamed asparagus.

Among the best results that tossing some fish in the air fryer has ever yielded.

Note that the thickness of the salmon has EVERYthing to do with how long it cooks, and overcooked salmon is no bueno. Get you a meat thermometer. This one has been super reliable for us.

10. Air Fryer Panko Breaded Salmon

Now you could switch the panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs but it’s worth the extra trouble to find them.

They’re way crunchier and flakier. 

An unlikely revelation, but once you’ve had them, you’ll never go back. 

Serve alongside some green beans or perhaps a nice roast potato.

If you need more air fryer salmon ideas, here you go.

11. Crunchy Air Fryer Fish With Cornflakes Coating

This hot, smoky cod is a heart thief if there ever was one.

A punchy, flavorsome supper that even the most ardent of fish-haters will eye with interest.

And don’t lose track of these tips for reheating.

😋 Get our full air fryer recipe lists here. 😋

The bottom line

If there’s three words that get us excited about dinner, it’s “air fry fish.” 

And it isn’t just because we’re elated about not having to use the oven or stove — it’s because we adore it. 

We’ve had our Ninja for years, and we are at the point where we may be buying a new one, more bells and whistles.

More than anything we just kind of want an air fryer that’s quieter. If you can recommend one, let us know. 

To inspire you, here are 11 air fry fish recipes that’ll help you make the most of your catch, (or the frozen food aisle).

From the fish sticks of our childhood to a posh parmesan encrusted filet that wouldn’t be out of place at the fanciest party: we’ve thought of it all.

You’ll never have to wonder how to cook fish in the air fryer again.

Of course, we won’t leave you hanging: Need some ideas for what goes with? We got you.