Air Fryer Fish and Chips: Crispy and Delicious Recipe

As a health-conscious foodie and a busy mom constantly trying to balance nourishing meals with a packed family schedule, I found myself stuck in the same struggle many face: how to make quick, delicious meals without relying on greasy pans or deep-frying. I didn’t want to give up my favorite comfort foods—crispy fries, golden chicken, flaky pastries—but I did want to serve better-for-you versions to my family.

That’s when I discovered the air fryer, and everything changed. What started as late-night kitchen experiments soon became an obsession. I began transforming classic dishes into lighter, air-fried versions—without sacrificing taste, texture, or joy. Fries that didn’t require gallons of oil. Wings that stayed juicy inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Even warm, sweet donuts that didn’t leave you feeling guilty.

Friends and family started asking for recipes. Then, strangers online. I realized I wasn’t alone in this craving for smarter, faster, tastier food—and so Fryero was born. At Fryero, I share the best air fryer recipes I’ve created and perfected: from satisfying mains and snackable sides to sweet treats and healthy staples.

Whether you’re brand new to air frying or you’re already hooked, Fryero is your space to learn, explore, and fall in love with cooking all over again—one crispy bite at a time. Let’s dive into one of my favorites: Air Fryer Fish and Chips.

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Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Air Fryer Fish and Chips

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  • Author: Ellero
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 19 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Learn how to make crispy and delicious Air Fryer Fish and Chips at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for a quick and healthier meal option.


Ingredients

  • 3 russet potatoes, about 1 1/2 pounds (680 g), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch long slices
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cup (360 ml) s all purpose flour, divided
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) baking soda
  • 810 ounce (255 g) s non-alcoholic beer, I used a light lager
  • 1 pound (454 g) cod fish, about 5 filets, the small er the filets the better, patted dry with paper towels VERY WELL


Instructions

  1. Immerse the potato slices in a bowl filled with cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes, extending up to 3 hours if needed. If soaking beyond 30 minutes, ensure to replace the water at least once during this period.
  2. To prepare the fries, pour out the water from the bowl and thoroughly dry the potato slices using a towel. Generously coat your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Arrange the potato slices in the basket and apply additional oil spray on top.
  3. Cook the potato slices in the air fryer at 400°F for 7 minutes, then toss and continue cooking for another 7 minutes, or until they achieve a golden, crispy texture. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a dish and cover with foil to keep warm.
  4. For the fish, blend ½ cup of flour with the cornstarch in a shallow dish. In another large bowl, combine the remaining flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Gradually add the beer, stirring until smooth.
  5. Coat each fish piece in the flour mix, then dip into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Return the fish pieces to the flour mix, dusting with more flour to ensure a full coating, then shake off any surplus.
  6. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and generously spray it with cooking oil. Gently place the coated fish into the basket, ensuring they touch but do not overlap.
  7. Thoroughly spray the tops of the fish with cooking oil, then cook in the air fryer at 390°F for 12 minutes. Halfway through, open the basket and reapply cooking spray to the fish, then continue cooking.
  8. Present the fish and fries garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Optionally, offer tartar sauce and ketchup for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure to thoroughly dry the cod fish filets with paper towels before coating to prevent sogginess.
  • Shake off excess flour when coating the fish for a crispy exterior in the air fryer.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mix for a spicy kick.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips: A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Fundamentals

The magic of air fryer fish and chips lies in the balance of crispy fries and perfectly battered fish, achieved with minimal oil. Russet potatoes and cod fish are the stars of this dish. The russet potatoes provide the ideal starchy texture for crispy fries, while cod offers a flaky, tender finish. To ensure the potatoes fry to perfection, soak them in cold water. This step removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.

Preparation/setup

Start by immersing your potato slices in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. If you plan to soak them longer, change the water at least once. This will ensure your fries are crisp and delicious. While the potatoes soak, prepare your fish. Pat the cod filets dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which is crucial for the batter to adhere properly.

After drying the potatoes, coat the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Lay the potatoes in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap, and spray them with additional oil. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 7 minutes, give them a toss, then continue for another 7 minutes or until golden and crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mastering Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Technique

The fish batter combines flour, cornstarch, and a blend of seasonings, creating a light yet crisp coating. Mix ½ cup of flour with cornstarch in a shallow dish. In another bowl, blend the remaining flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Slowly stir in the non-alcoholic beer until the batter is smooth.

Coat each fish piece in the initial flour mix, dip into the batter, and allow any excess to drip off. Return the fish to the flour mix for a final dusting, ensuring an even coat. This double-coating method is key to achieving that signature crunch.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Tips/tricks

When air frying, ensure the fish pieces touch but do not overlap in the basket. Spray them generously with cooking oil to promote browning. Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 12 minutes, reapplying cooking oil halfway through for an even fry.

For a flavor twist, consider these Air Fryer Fish Tacos or explore serving alongside Air Fryer Corn on the Cob with a tasty fish sauce.

Perfect Your Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Perfecting results

To perfect your air fryer fish and chips, monitor the cooking process closely. The air fryer’s rapid heat circulation can quickly shift food from perfectly cooked to overdone. Adjust the cooking time if necessary for smaller fish filets.

For variation, try swapping the spices in the batter. Perhaps a pinch of cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Experiment until you find the flavor profile that suits your palate best.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your fries aren’t as crispy as desired, ensure they are thoroughly dried after soaking. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. When it comes to the fish, a thin and even batter coating prevents soggy results. Should you encounter any issues, adjust the air fryer temperature or cooking duration.

For a crunchy twist, explore Air Fried Halloumi and Veggie Snacks as a side, or try these Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Crisps for a veggie-centric alternative.

Serving Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Serving/presentation

Present your air fryer fish and chips with a garnish of chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness. The lemon’s acidity beautifully complements the crispy, savory elements of the dish.

Offer tartar sauce and ketchup on the side for dipping, catering to both traditionalists and those who love a bit of tang. For a complete meal, pair with a batch of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for added protein.

Pairings/storage

For a light, refreshing accompaniment, consider a crisp salad with a vinaigrette. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer at a low temperature to revive crispiness without overcooking.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Looking for more air fryer inspiration? Check out these Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips for a sweet treat, or try some Air Fryer Stuffed Olives to start your meal with a savory bite.

Conclusion

Air fryer fish and chips offer a delicious, healthier twist on a classic favorite, allowing you to enjoy the crispiness and flavor without the guilt. The air fryer excels in delivering perfectly cooked fries and fish with minimal oil, making it an indispensable tool for the health-conscious foodie.

With a few simple techniques and adjustments, you can customize this dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. The versatility and convenience of the air fryer make it easier than ever to recreate beloved comfort foods in a way that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Embrace the delicious possibilities of air fryer cooking and enjoy every crispy bite!

FAQs – Air Fryer Fish and Chips

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