This Air Fryer White fish recipe is our go-to healthy meal when we’re craving a seafood dinner. Add your favorite spices and you’ll never get tired of eating white fish often.
Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years as an easy way to cook foods with a crispy texture without deep frying. Fish is one of the best foods to make in an air fryer, as the circulating hot air helps create a deliciously crispy coating on the outside while keeping the fish moist and flaky on the inside. But exactly how long should you cook fish in an air fryer to achieve perfect results? Here’s a complete guide with timing recommendations for different types and cuts of fish.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Fish Cook Times
There are a few key factors that will determine the total cook time needed for fish in an air fryer
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Type of fish – The variety of fish makes a big difference as fattier fish will cook faster than lean fish. Salmon and trout generally take less time than a white fish like tilapia or cod.
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Thickness of fillets – Thinner fillets will cook much faster than thick fillets or steaks. Plan for a longer cook time with thicker cuts of fish.
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Amount of fish – Cooking a large batch of fish pieces will increase the overall cook time compared to just a single portion.
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Breading – A breaded coating will add time to the cooking process since the coating needs to become crispy and browned. Unbreaded fish cooks faster.
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Doneness preference – Cook fish just until flaky for a more rare texture, or a little longer for fish that is fully opaque in the center.
Recommended Air Fryer Cook Times for Fish
Below are general guidelines for how long different types of fish should cook in an air fryer:
Thin White Fish Fillets
- Fish: Tilapia, cod, sole, flounder, etc.
- Thickness: 1/4 to 1/2 inch
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes at 380°F
Thin white fish fillets like tilapia and cod only need about 8 to 12 minutes to cook through in the air fryer. Brush fillets with oil or spray with cooking spray then cook at 380°F, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness after 8 minutes.
Thick White Fish Fillets
- Fish: Halibut, cod, haddock, etc.
- Thickness: 1 to 1 1/2 inches
- Cook Time: 12 to 18 minutes at 380°F
Thicker cuts of white fish will need closer to 15 to 18 minutes in the air fryer, depending on thickness. Cook at the same 400°F temperature but extend the cook time. These fillets may benefit from an instant read thermometer to check for doneness.
Salmon and Trout Fillets
- Fish: Salmon, rainbow trout, etc.
- Thickness: 1/2 to 1 inch
- Cook Time: 10 to 15 minutes at 380°F
The fattier composition of salmon and trout fillets allows them to cook a little faster than white fish. Expect closer to 12 to 15 minutes for 1-inch thick salmon fillets. Brush with oil and cook at 400°F, flipping over halfway during cooking.
Breaded Fish Fillets
- Fish: Tilapia, cod, haddock, etc.
- Thickness: 1/2 inch or less
- Cook Time: 10 to 14 minutes at 400°F
A light breading adds crispiness but also increases the total cook time. For thin fillets coated in panko or flaky breadcrumbs, allow 12 to 14 minutes to cook the fish through while also browning the exterior. Cook at 400°F for best results.
Fish Steaks
- Fish: Salmon, halibut, tuna, etc.
- Thickness: 1 1/2 to 2 inches
- Cook Time: 15 to 22 minutes at 400°F
For extra thick fish steaks and fillets over 1 1/2 inches thick, the cook time will jump up to 20 minutes or more, depending on exact size. Cook at 400°F but test for doneness early, ascarryover cooking will continue even after air frying. Use an instant read thermometer for best results.
Shrimp
- Size: Medium to jumbo
- Cook Time: 5 to 7 minutes at 360°F
One of the fastest proteins to cook in the air fryer, medium shrimp take only about 5 minutes while larger jumbo shrimp may need up to 7 minutes at 360°F. Just take care not to overcook.
Fish Kebabs
- Fish: Salmon, cod, shrimp, scallops
- Size: 1-inch cubes
- Cook Time: 10 to 14 minutes at 400°F
For mixed seafood skewers, allow at least 12 to 14 minutes for 1-inch pieces to cook through. Flip the skewers halfway and brush with oil or sauce for best results. Cook at 400°F until done.
Tips for Cooking Fish in an Air Fryer
Follow these tips to achieve perfectly cooked fish in your air fryer every time:
- Pat fish fillets dry before cooking for best browning.
- Use a light coat of oil or nonstick spray to aid browning.
- Allow air flow by not overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Flip fish halfway during cooking for even browning.
- Brush fish with sauce or oil when flipping for extra flavor.
- Check for doneness early to prevent overcooking.
- Let fish rest 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
How to Tell When Fish is Done in an Air Fryer
It can be tricky to determine exact doneness, especially for thicker cuts of fish. Here are a few ways to test when fish is fully cooked:
- Use a fork to flake the fish – it should separate into clean flakes when fully cooked.
- Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. Fish is done at 145°F.
- Look for just opaque flesh, not translucent or raw looking.
- The fish should feel firm, not jelly-like.
Allow thick fish to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it to allow the interior to finish cooking without over-drying the outside. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fried fish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I cook fish at in an air fryer?
Most fish cooks best at 380°F to 400°F in an air fryer. The high heat helps sear and brown the exterior while cooking the interior.
Should fish be flipped during air frying?
Yes, gently flipping fish halfway through cooking will allow both sides to brown evenly. Use tongs to carefully flip fillets or a thin spatula for more delicate fish.
Can I air fry frozen fish?
It is possible to cook frozen fish in the air fryer but it will take longer. Add 3 to 5 minutes to the cook time and watch closely to prevent overcooking. Thaw first for best results.
How long does fish take to cook from frozen in an air fryer?
Depending on thickness, plan for frozen fish fillets to take 12 to 18 minutes at 400°F in an air fryer, adding extra time to compensate for frozen start. Check early and often for doneness.
What happens if I overcook fish in the air fryer?
Overcooked fish will dry out quickly and become tough. TryPull out fish as soon as it flakes and appears opaque to prevent overcooking in the air fryer’s high heat.
Spices for white fish or seafood
We love using simple garlic and lemon pepper. But you can certainly use your favorite spices. There’s lots of different seafood spices out there. We sometimes will add some curry powder and ground cumin for a very delicious and rich curry flavor. If you like spicy, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a Mexican flavored and seasoned fish, try adding chili powder or even some simple taco seasoning. This flavor would be perfect for fish tacos!.
Video: White Fish in the Air Fryer with Garlic & Lemon Pepper
If your fish tears or sticks to air fryer wire racks or baskets, try these non-stick liners.
- Non stick reusable silicone liners can be found here. Fish air fries perfectly and barely sticks to the liner. They’re easy to clean too. You can let go of the fish, salmon, or even chicken all at once!
- Parchment liners. These work good too but are single use. Also, don’t preheat the air fryer with just the parchment. The parchment will fly around and could hit the heating element and burn if there is no food to hold it down. Read more about air fryer parchment liners here.
- For this tilapia recipe, you can also use aluminum foil.
