Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Published August 28, 2024 | By topchefs

A Healthier Take on a Classic Dish – Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Traditionally deep-fried, try air fryer fish and chips. This quintessentially British dish has been enjoyed by generations worldwide. This comfort food is known for its crispy golden fish and perfectly cooked chips. However, with the rise of healthier cooking methods, many are turning to air fryers to achieve the same delicious results with less oil. This guide will help you make the perfect air-fried fish and chips, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the air-frying technique.

Health Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

The traditional method of making fish and chips involves deep frying, which requires a lot of oil. While delicious, this method can lead to a higher calorie and fat intake. On the other hand, an air fryer works by circulating hot air to cook food, requiring little to no oil. This results in a healthier dish with fewer calories and less fat while maintaining that satisfying crunch we all love.

Benefits of Air Frying:

Less Oil: Air fryers use up to 80% less oil than traditional deep frying methods.
Lower Calorie Content: Reduced oil usage means fewer calories in the final dish.
Healthier Fats: Using small amounts of olive or avocado oil can improve the nutritional profile of your meal.
Crispy Texture: Air fryers use less oil but achieve a crispy exterior thanks to the rapid hot air circulation.
Convenience: Air fryers are incredibly convenient, often requiring less cleanup than traditional frying methods. The absence of large quantities of oil means there’s no messy disposal process afterward.
Versatility: In addition to fish and chips, air fryers can cook various foods, from vegetables to desserts, making them a versatile kitchen tool.

Choosing the Right Fish

The right fish is crucial for a successful air-fried fish and chips dish. You want a fish that’s firm enough to hold its shape during cooking but tender enough to flake when done.

Best Fish for Air Frying

Cod: Cod should be the choice for fish and chips. A firm texture and mild flavor make it perfect for air frying, ensuring a crispy coating and tender interior. Cod’s ability to retain moisture while developing a golden crust makes it a top pick.
Haddock: Slightly sweeter than cod, haddock is another excellent option. It holds up well in the air fryer and offers a delightful flavor that pairs well with the traditional sides of fish and chips.
Pollock: A sustainable alternative to cod, pollock has a similar texture and taste, making it an excellent choice for air fryer fish and chips. Its affordability also makes it an attractive option for families looking to enjoy this dish regularly.
Tilapia: Tilapia’s mild flavor and tender texture make it a good option, especially for those looking for a more affordable choice. Tilapia cooks quickly in the air fryer, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Fish to Avoid

Mackerel: MaMackerel’strong flavor and oily nature can overpower the delicate balance of fish and chips. Additionally, its oiliness can cause excess smoking in the air fryer.
Sole: The sole is too delicate for air frying and may fall apart during cooking. It is better suited to gentler cooking methods like baking or poaching.

Preparing the Fish for Air Frying

Preparation is vital to achieving the perfect air fryer fish and chips. Start by selecting fresh fish fillets, as the quality of the fish will significantly influence the final dish.

Cleaning and Drying the Fish

Rinse: Rinse the fish fillets under cold water to remove surface impurities.
Pat Dry: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is essential for ensuring the batter or breadcrumbs adhere appropriately to the fish.

Removing excess moisture from the fish is critical. Any Moisture on the surface may cause the batter to become soggy, preventing it from achieving the desired crispiness in the air fryer. Patting the fish dry thoroughly ensures the coating sticks well and cooks to a perfect golden brown.

Seasoning the Fish

Seasoning is important. Salt and pepper are the usual seasonings for fish and chips, but you can add other spices for extra flavor.

Basic Seasoning: Seasoning the fillets will enhance the fish’s natural flavor. This straightforward approach of adding salt and pepper lets the fish’s taste shine through with a subtle boost.
Optional Spices: For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. These spices can bring a depth of flavor that complements the crispy coating without overpowering the delicate fish.

Crafting the Perfect Coating

The coating gives fish and chips their characteristic crunch. An air fryer offers several options for achieving that crispy exterior without deep frying.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are popular for air frying because they create a light, crispy texture.

Ingredients:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Two large eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Set up a breading station with shallow dishes for flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge the fish fillets in flour, place them in the beaten eggs, and then coat them in panko breadcrumbs.
Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the fillets to ensure an even coating.

Panko breadcrumbs are known for their larger, airier crumb, resulting in a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs. They are ideal for air frying, where achieving that perfect crunch without excess oil can be challenging.

Cornmeal Coating

For a Southern twist, you can use a cornmeal coating, which adds a delightful crunch and a slightly sweet flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Dredge the seasoned fish fillets in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
Let the coated fish rest for a few minutes before air frying to allow the coating to set.

Cornmeal provides a different texture and flavor profile than breadcrumbs, offering a grittier crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender fish inside. This variation is trendy in Southern-style fish dishes, where cornmeal is a staple ingredient.

Air Frying the Fish

Once you’ve prepared the fish, air-frying it is straightforward. This method uses less oil and offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying.

Steps for Air Frying Fish:

Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating your air fryer will help cook your fish evenly, and the coating will crisp up quickly.
Lightly Oil the Basket: Lightly spraying your air fryer basket with cooking spray should prevent the fish from sticking. This step is crucial for achieving an even golden crust on all sides of the fish.
Place the Fish: Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping fillets can cause uneven cooking and prevent the coating from crisping correctly.
Air Fry: Cook the fish for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Making the Chips

Air-fried chips yield a crispy, golden exterior with a fluffy interior, much like traditional deep-fried chips, but with less oil.

Preparing the Potatoes

Choose the Right Potato: Starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper are ideal for making chips. Their high starch content helps them crisp up nicely. Cut the Potatoes: For classic chips, cut the potatoes into thick strips, about 1/2 inch wide. Uniformity in size ensures that the chips cook evenly in the air fryer.
Soak the Potatoes: Soak the potato you have cut into chips for at least 30 minutes in cold water, removing excess starch, which helps achieve a crispier texture.

Many skip the crucial step of soaking the potatoes, significantly affecting the final texture. The cold water soak removes excess starch, preventing your chips from sticking together and becoming crispy.

Air Frying the Chips

Steps for Air Frying Chips:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Dry the Potatoes: Drain the soaked potatoes and dry them with paper towels, removing any excess moisture. Dry potatoes are essential for achieving a crispy exterior.
Toss with Oil and Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the chips with a tablespoon of oil and your choice of seasoning. This step ensures the chips are evenly coated and helps them crisp up during frying.
Air Fry: Place the potato strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, moving your chips around halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Crisp to Perfection: At the end, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to achieve a crispier finish.

To achieve the perfect chip in an air fryer, you must pay close attention to detail, especially by spacing the chips evenly and avoiding overcrowding the basket. When the basket is overcrowded, the chips may cook unevenly and lose their crispiness.

Serving Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Fish and chips are best served immediately after cooking to maintain their crispy texture. To enhance the flavors, serve your air-fried fish and chips with various accompaniments.

Classic Accompaniments

Tartar Sauce: A tangy tartar sauce made from mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and lemon juice pairs perfectly with the crispy fish. The creamy texture and sharp flavors of tartar sauce complement the crunch of the fish.
Malt Vinegar: People often serve traditional fish and chips with a splash of malt vinegar to cut through the dish’s richness. This classic British condiment adds a tangy bite, enhancing the overall flavor.
Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast. Squeezing lemon over the fish just before eating adds a zesty freshness that lifts the dish.
Coleslaw: The crunch and acidity of coleslaw provide a refreshing balance to the fried fish. A simple coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing can add texture and freshness to the meal.

Advanced Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fish and Chips

To elevate your air fryer fish and chips, consider these advanced techniques:

Double Dipping for Extra Crunch

For an extra crispy coating, try double dipping the fish fillets. After the initial breading, dip the fillets back into the beaten egg and coat them with another layer of panko breadcrumbs. This extra layer adds a crunch that enhances the overall texture.

Double dipping is used in many professional kitchens to ensure a thicker, crunchier coating. It is especially effective in an air fryer, where achieving the perfect crunch with a single layer can be challenging.

Using Seasoned Oil

To enhance the flavor of your chips, toss them in seasoned oil before air-frying. Add garlic powder, rosemary, or smoked paprika to the oil for a more flavorful result.

Seasoned oil infuses the chips with extra flavor, making them stand out as more than just a side dish.

Keeping the Fish Warm

If you’re cooking in batches, place your fish in a warm, low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while you finish air-frying the chips and keeping your food hot and crispy when served.

Keep the fish warm while you finish the chips, ensuring both the fish and chips stay hot and crispy for serving. This technique is beneficial when cooking for larger groups, where serving everything at once can be challenging.

Exploring Variations of Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Fish and chips are versatile, and there are many ways to customize this classic.

Gluten-Free Fish and Chips

For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Almond flour, coconut flour, oat flour, or any other gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used for the batter, while gluten-free panko breadcrumbs will still provide that crispy texture.

Gluten-free versions of traditional dishes are becoming increasingly popular as more people seek gluten-free options. This version of fish and chips allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this classic dish without compromising flavor or texture.

Spicy Fish and Chips

Incorporate spices into the coating to add a kick to your fish and chips. Mix cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even curry powder into the flour or breadcrumbs for a spicier version of this dish.

Spicy fish and chips offer a flavorful twist on the classic dish, adding heat and complexity to the flavor profile. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.

Asian-Inspired Fish and Chips

Use tempura batter instead of traditional breadcrumbs to give your fish and chips an Asian twist. For a fusion take on this classic meal, serve the fish with a soy-based dipping sauce and wasabi-flavored coleslaw.

Asian-inspired variations of fish and chips bring a new dimension to the dish, combining the light, crispy texture of tempura with the bold flavors of soy and wasabi. A fusion approach adds a modern twist to a traditional favorite.

The Global Appeal of Air Fryer Fish and Chips

While fish and chips have roots in Britain, the dish has gained popularity worldwide, and the air fryer has made it more accessible to those seeking a healthier option.

United States: In the U.S., air fryer fish and chips are becoming popular as people look for healthier alternatives to deep frying without sacrificing flavor. The convenience of the air fryer and the lower calorie content make this version appealing to health-conscious Americans.
Australia: Australians have embraced the air fryer, and air fryer fish and chips are a hit down under, often served with a side of aioli or tartar sauce. The outdoor lifestyle and love for seafood in Australia make air fryer fish and chips a natural fit.
Canada: In Canada, air fryer fish and chips are enjoyed with a side of poutine, adding a uniquely Canadian twist to the dish. The combination of crispy fish and chips with cheese curds and gravy offers a rich, indulgent meal perfect for cold Canadian winters.

Conclusion: The Future of Fish and Chips

As more people seek healthier cooking methods, air-fried fish and chips offer a delicious alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. This method reduces the amount of oil used and makes the dish more accessible to those watching their calorie intake. With endless possibilities for customization, air-fried fish and chips are set to become a new classic in kitchens worldwide.

Whether playing with traditional flavors or experimenting with new twists, the air fryer allows you to enjoy this beloved dish with less guilt and more flavor. As technology advances and air fryers become more prevalent, air-fried fish and chips will likely continue to grow in popularity, offering a healthier take on a classic that’s here to stay.