Breaded fish fillets are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or served at a special gathering. They combine the savory, delicate flavor of fish with a crispy, golden coating, all without the hassle of deep frying. This air fryer version of breaded fish fillets provides all the crunch and flavor of the traditional recipe but with far less oil, making it a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. By using the air fryer, the fillets come out perfectly crispy on the outside, while the fish remains tender and flaky on the inside.
The beauty of air fryer breaded fish fillets lies in their simplicity. The fillets are coated in a light, crispy breadcrumb mixture, seasoned to your taste, and cooked in the air fryer to achieve that perfect crunch. With the use of healthier oils and a fraction of the fat from traditional frying, these fish fillets are not only lower in calories but also packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The air fryer ensures that you achieve the crispiness you crave with minimal oil, making it a great choice for those who are health-conscious but don’t want to miss out on flavor.
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you’re using cod, tilapia, or another mild white fish, this air fryer breaded fish fillet recipe can be tailored to suit any fish type. Serve it with a side of veggies or a light salad, and you’ve got a balanced, healthy meal in no time.
Breaded Fish Fillets
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets cod, tilapia, or other mild white fish
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably whole wheat or panko
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the breading station: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the fish fillets: Dip each fish fillet into the egg mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, transfer the fillet to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the fish.
- Spray the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent the fillets from sticking.
- Cook the fish fillets: Place the breaded fish fillets into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fillets are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the fish fillets from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
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Notes
- You can use any mild white fish for this recipe, such as cod, tilapia, or haddock.
- For an extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the fish fillets are also gluten-free.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve more people or meal prep for the week.
Nutrition
Air fryer breaded fish fillets offer numerous health benefits. First and foremost, they provide a healthy source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting muscle function. Fish, particularly varieties like cod and tilapia, is also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and promote overall heart health.
By using the air fryer, this recipe significantly reduces the amount of oil compared to traditional deep-frying methods, cutting down on unhealthy fats and calories. This makes the meal a better choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy weight or improve cardiovascular health. Additionally, the breadcrumbs in this recipe can be swapped for whole wheat or gluten-free options, allowing for further customization based on dietary needs.
The spices and seasonings used in this recipe—such as garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder—not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional benefits. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, while paprika offers a dose of antioxidants. The light dusting of Parmesan adds a touch of calcium and protein, contributing to bone health. Altogether, this dish is not only a tasty way to enjoy fish but also a nutrient-packed meal that supports overall well-being.
1 comment
This recipe was fantastic! The fish came out crispy and delicious, and I loved how easy it was to make. Perfect for a quick dinner. I’ll definitely make it again!