Air frying fish is a quick and healthy cooking method that allows you to enjoy the great taste of fried fish without all the extra calories and fat from deep frying. When using an air fryer to cook fish, the cooking time can vary based on a few key factors like the size and thickness of the fish, the temperature setting, and even the model of air fryer you are using. Generally speaking, most fish fillets will air fry in 8-15 minutes at temperatures between 360-400°F. Thicker fish steaks and whole fish may take a bit longer.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Fish Cook Times
There are a few key things that impact how long it takes to cook fish in an air fryer:
Thickness and Size of Fish
Thinner, smaller cuts of fish like fish fillets or patties will cook faster than thick fish steaks or whole fish. Thin fillets usually take 8-12 minutes while a 1-inch thick salmon or halibut steak may need 12-15 minutes to cook through.
Type of Fish
Lean, tender fish cook faster than fattier, oilier fish. For example, tilapia and sole may cook through in just 8-10 minutes while salmon and trout may need a couple minutes longer due to their higher fat content.
Temperature Setting
The higher the temperature, the faster the fish will cook. Most air fryers have temperature settings between 360°F on the low end and 400°F on the high end. Raise the temperature for quicker cooking times.
Amount of Fish
Cooking a large batch of fish pieces will increase the overall cooking time. Spread fish out in a single layer as much as possible to help them cook evenly. It’s better to cook fish in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding.
Model of Air Fryer
Some air fryer models heat up faster and circulate air more efficiently than others which can impact cook times. Get to know your specific model to understand how quickly it cooks.
Air Fryer Temperature Setting
Most recipes recommend cooking fish in an air fryer between 360-400°F. The lower end of the temperature spectrum, around 360°F, is ideal for more delicate fish like sole, flounder, and cod. Firmer fish like salmon, halibut, tuna, and trout can be cooked at 400°F with great results.
360°F
– Best for thin, delicate fish fillets
– Allows fish to cook through without overbrowning
– Add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cook time
380°F
– Ideal for moderately thick fish fillets and steaks
– Produces light browning and crispy edges
– Use for most white fish and salmon fillets
400°F
– Best for thicker, fattier fish like salmon and trout
– Cooks fish quickly with crispy edges and exterior
– Watch closely to avoid overcooking
In most cases, a temperature between 380-400°F will give you the best balance of cooked fish with a crispy exterior.
Air Fryer Cook Times by Fish Type
Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of fish take to cook in an air fryer:
White Fish
– Fish fillets: 8-12 minutes at 380°F
– Fish steaks or whole fish: 12-15 minutes at 380°F
This includes popular types like tilapia, cod, halibut, sole, flounder, and snapper. Brush fish with oil before cooking.
Salmon
– Salmon fillets: 10-12 minutes at 400°F
– Salmon steaks: 12-15 minutes at 400°F
Salmon cooked well in an air fryer due to its oiliness. Rub salmon with oil or marinade before cooking.
Trout
– Trout fillets: 10-12 minutes at 400°F
– Whole trout: 15-18 minutes at 380°F
Trout has a similar oil content as salmon. Air frying makes the skin crispy.
Tuna
– Tuna steaks: 8-10 minutes at 400°F
– Tuna fillets: 5-7 minutes at 400°F
Choose sushi-grade tuna and pat dry before seasoning. Air fry tuna rare or medium-rare to prevent drying out.
Mahi Mahi
– Fillets or steaks: 8-10 minutes at 380°F
Mahi mahi has a delicately sweet, mild flavor that is enhanced by air frying. Cook mahi mahi until it flakes easily with a fork.
Tips for Air Frying Fish
Follow these tips to get perfectly air fried fish every time:
– Pat fish dry before seasoning or coating to help it get extra crispy.
– Brush or rub fish with a thin layer of oil before cooking to distribute heat.
– Flip fish halfway during cooking for even browning and cooking.
– Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, especially for thicker cuts. Fish is done when it reaches 140°F internally.
– Adjust cook time based on thickness – thinner pieces cook faster than thick steaks or fillets.
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook fish in smaller batches if needed.
How to Tell When Fish is Done Air Frying
Checking fish for doneness while air frying takes just a couple quick checks:
– Use a meat thermometer to test for 140°F internally when fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
– The fish should have lightly browned, crispy edges when fully cooked.
– Flake the fish open with a fork and check that the inside looks opaque, not translucent.
– Cook the fish for the minimum cook time and then check frequently until done. Fish overcooks quickly.
Err on the side of slightly undercooked when in doubt. You can always put fish back in for another 1-2 minutes if needed.
Common Air Fryer Fish Recipes and Cook Times
Lemon Pepper Salmon
– 1 lb salmon fillets
– 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
– 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1. Pat salmon dry and brush with oil. Season with lemon pepper.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
3. Top with lemon slices before serving.
Crispy Fish Tacos
– 1 lb white fish fillets (tilapia or cod)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
1. Cut fish into bite-size strips. In a shallow bowl, mix flour and spices.
2. Dip fish in flour mixture to lightly coat both sides.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until fish is cooked through.
4. Serve fish in warmed tortillas with salsa and cabbage.
Coconut Shrimp
– 16 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/3 cup coconut flakes
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp pepper
– Oil for misting or brushing
1. Pat shrimp dry. Mix coconut flakes and cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Coat shrimp in coconut mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
3. Mist or brush shrimp with a little oil. Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until opaque.
4. Serve with an orange honey dipping sauce.
| Fish Recipe | Cook Time at 400°F |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillet | 10-12 minutes |
| Whitefish fillet | 8-10 minutes |
| Tuna steak | 8-10 minutes |
| Shrimp | 5-7 minutes |
| Mahi mahi fillet | 8-10 minutes |
| Whole fish | 15-18 minutes |
Tips for Even Cooking
Getting fish to cook evenly all the way through can be tricky in an air fryer. Here are some tips:
– Cut fish into same-sized and same-thickness pieces so they cook at the same rate.
– Position fish pieces so they aren’t touching each other.
– Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest parts are cooked through.
– Spray fish generously with oil so the facing side doesn’t dry out.
– Brush thicker fish steaks or fillets with oil to help conduct heat.
– Flip or turn fish over halfway during cooking to expose all sides to air circulation.
– Rotate the air fryer basket or toss fish pieces if some spots seem to be browning faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to over or undercook fish in an air fryer if you aren’t careful. Avoid these common pitfalls:
– Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. This prevents air from circulating evenly.
– Don’t forget to preheat the air fryer before adding fish.
– Don’t flip fish too frequently which can cause it to break apart.
– Don’t use breading or thick batters which act as insulation.
– Don’t open the air fryer too often which causes temperature drops.
– Don’t forget to brush or spray fish with oil so it browns nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Air fried fish tastes delicious on its own but try these serving ideas:
– Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over fish right before serving
– Make fish tacos or sandwiches with crunchy slaw
– Serve fish on top of fresh greens for a salad
– Pair with rice or quinoa and roasted veggies
– Top fish with salsa, guacamole or pico de gallo
– Serve alongside tartar sauce or remoulade sauce for dipping
By following the proper techniques and cook times, you can enjoy tender and flaky air fried fish in minutes. Vary the seasonings and sauces to keep your recipes exciting. Air frying is a healthy way to get your fish fix anytime.