Cooking fish perfectly is no less than an art, but cooking fish also involves an elaborate affair, which may not settle well with people who are always in a jiffy.
Well, if you too are someone who loves fish and wants to enjoy a perfectly cooked fish in just a few minutes by cooking it in an air fryer, then here are some simple guidelines that will help you make perfectly cooked fish that too without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, follow us through some simple tips and tricks that can help you enjoy fish without putting in much effort.
1. Choose the right type of fish
Not all fish are made for the air fryer. Firm, fleshy fish such as salmon, cod, tilapia, haddock, and trout are great choices because they hold up well during the cooking process. Delicate fish like flounder or sole may not be ideal as they could fall apart. If you’re unsure, opt for fillets or steaks over thin or flaky fish.
2. Preheat
Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that the fish cooks evenly from the moment you place it inside. Preheat the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at the temperature you plan to cook your fish at. This will help avoid undercooked or unevenly cooked fish.
3. Coat with oil
For a crispy, golden crust, lightly coat your fish with oil. You can either spray the fish with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of olive oil, melted butter, or avocado oil. This step helps the fish crisp up without adding too much excess fat or calories. Be cautious not to overdo it with the oil.
4. Season generously
Fish can be mild in flavor, so don’t be afraid to season it well. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest all work beautifully. For more flavor, you can also use herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme. Be sure to season both sides of the fish to maximize flavor in every bite.
5. Don’t overcrowd
To ensure that your fish cooks evenly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around the fish for optimal crisping. If you’re cooking multiple fillets or pieces of fish, it’s better to cook them in batches, leaving some space between each piece.
6. Manage temperature
Fish cooks quickly in the air fryer, and it’s easy to overcook it. The ideal internal temperature for most fish is around 145°F (63°C). Use a food thermometer to ensure the fish is cooked through. If you’re cooking a thicker fillet, check the middle part for doneness, as the edges may cook faster.
7. Flip
For even cooking and crisping, flip your fish halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that both sides get that beautiful, golden brown crust. Depending on the thickness of your fish, the cooking time will vary, but flipping will guarantee uniform results.
8. Let it rest
Just like with any other meat, letting your fish rest for a few minutes before serving will help retain its juices and allow the texture to set. This also gives the fish time to cool down slightly, making it easier to handle and enjoy.
