This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

This Air Fryer Fish recipe is the perfect way to get that golden brown crispy fish you crave. This crispy, flaky, air fryer fish fillets recipe is made with fresh fish, breaded with panko breadcrumbs, and seasoned to perfection with just a handful of ingredients.

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Crispy coated air fryer fish on a white plate ready to serve.

The hot air is the best way to cook fish in less time – and with way less grease! Adding the panko mixture is what makes this crispy air fryer fish the best!

If you’re a fan of flaky white fish, get ready to fall in love with this recipe the first time you make it. I 100% think that this is better than deep-fried fish because the frying basket keeps the delicate fish right where it needs to be, without that traditional frying mess.

Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus youโ€™ll get more great recipes and tips from us each week!

When it comes to an easy meal with easy cleanup, this healthy fish dinner is a good idea! You can skip the deep frying and still get that delicious crunch with any kind of fish!

Looking for the best way to reheat leftovers? Save this post for how to reheat fish in the air fryer.

Ingredients:

  • Fish fillets 
  • Panko breadcrumbs 
  • Egg 
  • Cup flour 
  • Ground black pepper 
  • Paprika 
  • Lemon pepper 
  • Avocado oil 
breadcrumbs, flour, seasonings, avocado spray, egg, and fish on a table.

This is one of the easiest air fryer recipes. For the best results, follow the simple steps below.

How to make crispy fish in the air fryer:

  1. If using frozen fish, allow the fillets to defrost in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours. Add the flour, black pepper, lemon pepper, and paprika to a rimmed bowl. Mix well.

    Seasonings added to flour in a small rimmed plate.

  2. Whisk the egg in a small bowl. 

    Egg whisked in a rimmed plate.

  3. Add panko breadcrumbs to a small rimmed plate. 

    Panko breadcrumbs in a small rimmed plate.

  4. Dip the fish into the seasoned flour, and then dip it into the egg. Place the fillet into the breadcrumbs and make sure they are fully coated. 

    Fish dipped into flour, egg, and coated in breadcrumbs in the rimmed plate.

  5. Spray the fillets with avocado oil, then place the coated fish fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer. 

    Breaded fish in air fryer basket, ready to cook.

  6. Air fry fish at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through the cooking time. 

    air fried fish in the basket of the air fryer.

  7. Remove the fish from the air fryer basket and serve with tartar sauce and your favorite sides.

    Air fryer fish served on a plate with a side of fries and lemon wedge.

NOTE: I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer or 6.8 quart air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cooking time may need to be adjusted 1-2 minutes.

Variations

Add seasonings – You can add any type of herb or seasoning to the mixture. Some simple garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and even some lemon zest are all a great choice.

How to Serve

With a short cook time, you’ll be serving and eating in no time at all. You can eat this fish like it is or pair it with french fries or air fryer potato wedges. I like to squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on top of my fish before serving.

How to Store


Crispy cod or any type of fish is best served hot and fresh. This doesn’t mean that you can’t store them as leftovers, but reheating and eating just don’t have the same crunch factor as the outside of the fish.

If you do have leftovers, be sure to let the white fish filets cool down completely and then store them in an airtight container. You can reheat the leftovers for another easy weeknight dinner by putting them back into the air fryer for a few moments until they are heated all the way through.

Air fried fish cut in half and stacked on a plate, ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I cut my fresh filets into different sizes?

When it comes to cooking fish, you can cut it into any size that you want. Just know that smaller pieces of fish may cook faster than other sizes, and larger sizes, so pay attention so that you don’t overcook.

The most classic fish is going to be tilapia or mahi mahi. You can cook any type of fresh fish fillets, or frozen fish fillets that you want, so choose the best fish flavor and taste that you like.

Seasoned and crispy air fryer fish on a white plate.

More Air Fryer Recipes

We Would Love to Hear From YOU!

Let Us Know What You Think!

Be sure to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. It lets us know how we are doing and lets others know they should try it! 

Tag Us In Your Photos! Are you on Facebook? If so, join our Easy Air Fryer Recipes Group (with over a million Air Fryer Foodie Fans!) and share your photos! We love to see your creations. 

Like to watch TikTok? Follow along with our recipes on TikTok @airfryingfoodie.

Are you on Instagram? Follow along and TAG US @airfryingfoodie.

Have a Question or General Feedback?

Jump down to the COMMENT section and let us know! We would love to help and also love feedback on all of our posts. 

Overhead photo of air fryer fish filets on a plate, ready to serve.
4.34 from 3 votes
Servings: 3

Air Fryer Fish

By Jen
This Air Fryer Fish is so fast and simple to make! You can easily make this fish recipe in just a few minutes!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 4 fish fillets
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp lemon pepper
  • tbsp avocado oil

Instructions 

  • If using frozen fish, allow the fillets to defrost in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours. Add the flour, black pepper, lemon pepper, and paprika to a rimmed bowl. Mix well.
  • Whisk the egg in a small bowl.
  • Add panko breadcrumbs to a small rimmed plate.
  • Dip the fish into the seasoned flour, and then dip them into the egg. Place the fillet into the breadcrumbs and make sure they are fully coated.
  • Spray the fillets with avocado oil, then place the coated fish fillets into the basket of the air fryer in a single layer.
  • Air fry fish at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through the cooking time.
  • Remove the fish from the air fryer basket and serve with tartar sauce and your favorite sides.

Notes

I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer or 6.8 quart air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cooking time may need to be adjusted 1-2 minutes.
Serve air fryer fish with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and your favorite side dishes. 
If cooking fish from frozen, thaw in the fridge for 4-6 hours before air frying.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 55mg, Sodium: 169mg, Potassium: 123mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 110IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 56mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

You May Also Like

4.34 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating