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A delicious plate of Air Fryer Battered Fish

Quick Air Fryer Battered Fish Recipe

The viral crispy air fryer battered fish with a light, crunchy coating and tender flaky inside that tastes just like classic fish and chips.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g firm white fish (cod, haddock, pollock, or halibut), cut into portions
  • 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup 30g cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika or Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 cup 240ml cold sparkling water or beer
  • Cooking spray
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Tartar sauce for serving

Method
 

  1. Pat fish completely dry and cut into even portions.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Add cold sparkling water or beer and whisk until smooth with small lumps.
  4. Lightly dust fish pieces in flour.
  5. Dip fish into batter, letting excess drip off.
  6. Optional: press into panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  7. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  8. Spray basket and both sides of fish generously with cooking spray.
  9. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  10. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Notes

Use cold liquid for the batter to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the basket. Spray generously with oil for the best golden crunch.