Air Fryer Battered Fish Recipe
Air fryer battered fish with a crispy golden coating and flaky cod inside. This easy fish and chips style dinner gives you classic crunch without deep frying.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–16 minutes
Total Time: 27–31 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb cod fillets, cut into 4 pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 large egg
3/4 cup cold sparkling water or light beer
Cooking spray or oil spray
Lemon wedges, for serving
Tartar sauce, for serving
Directions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket or line it with perforated parchment if needed.
2. Pat the cod dry and cut into even pieces.
3. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the egg and cold sparkling water, then whisk until a thick batter forms.
5. Place the remaining 1/2 cup flour in a shallow bowl and lightly coat each piece of cod.
6. Dip each piece into the batter, letting the excess drip off.
7. Place the fish in the basket in a single layer and spray the tops well with oil.
8. Air fry for 8 minutes, flip carefully, spray again, and cook for 4–8 more minutes until golden and flaky.
9. Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Notes / Tips
Keep the batter cold so it clings better to the fish.
Lightly flouring the cod first helps the batter stick.
Spray the battered fish well for a deeper golden crust.
Do not overcrowd the basket, or the coating may turn soft instead of crisp.
Thick cod fillets work best because they stay juicy inside.
Variations
Use haddock or pollock instead of cod.
Add a pinch of cayenne or Old Bay for more flavor.
Use sparkling water instead of beer for a non-alcohol version.
Serve it with fries for fish and chips, or in tacos with slaw.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310
Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Protein: 27 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 540 mg
Nutritional values are estimated.
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