Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Olive oil spray; Lemon wedges, to serve

Crispy golden air fryer fish fillets with a crunchy panko coating — healthier than fried, perfect for fish and chips or tacos.

By Adarsh · June 15, 2026

Crispy battered air fryer fish with chips, peas and grilled lemon

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 12 min
Total: 27 min
Serves: 4 servings

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These air fryer fish fillets give you all the crunch of the deep-fried version with a fraction of the oil. A seasoned panko crust turns shatteringly crisp while the fish stays flaky and tender inside. Serve them with fries for a lighter fish-and-chips, or flake them into warm tortillas for fish tacos.

Instructions

1
Pat the fish fillets completely dry and season lightly with salt.
2
Set up three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko mixed with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in the third.
3
Coat each fillet in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko until well covered.
4
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the fillets in a single layer and spray the tops with oil.
5
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and the fish flakes easily (145°F / 63°C). Serve with lemon.

Notes & Tips

Drying the fish well is key to a crust that sticks. Thicker fillets need a couple extra minutes; thin ones cook fast, so check early. A light oil spray is what turns the panko deep golden.