Photo Credit: Jack Hennessy
Frying fish doesn’t need to be messy or oily, thanks to a small kitchen appliance known as an “air fryer.” Today, in 2025, over half of the households in America own one. Fun fact: Air-frying meals is healthier than deep-frying because far less oil is used. Cooking oils are high in fat, and submerging foods in these oils and then frying them, which infuses the food with more oil, leads to a higher fat content in one’s diet.
Air fryers can either bake or air-fry, using just enough cooking oil (often in the form of a spray) to help create a crispy crust on food.
We discussed the convenience of air fryers, how they work, and how they’re helping families change the way they eat in a previous blog post titled “How to Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer.” To learn more about all things air fryers, make sure to give it a read.
This simple recipe will show you how to fry fish in an air fryer for both a tasty and healthier meal.
What is the Best Fish for Frying?
Firm, white-flesh fish like cod, tilapia, haddock, halibut, flounder, and walleye are great because they hold their shape well when fried and have a mild flavor that won’t overpower spice mixes.
Cod is a fan favorite for fish frying.
What is the Best Spice Mix for Frying Fish?
The answer is simple: Any Bearded Butcher Blend you're in the mood to use for flavoring. Original is always a great choice for a fish dredge, but it never hurts to browse and decide based on what you're feeling on any particular day.
Double-breaded fish (top row) result in a thicker crust but is not essential when air-frying fish. Single-breaded fish (bottom row) will turn out both delicious and crispy.
How much Healthier is Air-Fried Fish?
Air fryers use significantly less oil than deep fryers, resulting in food with lower fat—upwards of 80% lower fat—and decreased overall calorie count.
Why Soak Fish in Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a mild acid that reduces the 'fishiness' of fish. A flour dredge mix will also stick better to fish soaked in buttermilk because of the fat content in buttermilk. Tip: For potentially 'overly fishy' fish that may have an extra fishy smell, soak the fish in buttermilk for half an hour, then drain the buttermilk and add fresh buttermilk. The initial soak in buttermilk will absorb some of those overly fishy oils, and when that buttermilk is discarded, a lot of those fish oils will go with it.
General Directions for Frying Fish in an Air Fryer
- Cut fish into either inch-wide strips or cubes measuring one inch by one inch.
- Soak fish in buttermilk for at least 3 hours. Feel free to add 1/4 cup of stone-ground mustard to the mix.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup Original Seasoning, 1/2 cup cornmeal, and 1/4 cup cornstarch.
- When ready to fry, set the air fryer to the 400°F “air fry” setting.
- Take fish from the buttermilk and toss it through the flour dredge mix. For double-breaded fish, beat a couple of eggs for an egg wash. After the first flour dredge, dip the fish in the egg wash, then coat it with another, separate (same spice ratio) flour dredge.
- Spray the air fryer tray with cooking oil. Spray the tops of the fish with cooking oil.
- Cook for 14 minutes, then turn the fish. Spray with oil. Cook for another 6 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or oregano. Either squeeze fresh lemon over the top or place lemon slices on the side. Optional: Serve with malt vinegar and/or tartar sauce.
