Crispy Herb-Crusted Air Fryer Fish (Detailed Recipe)
🐟 What This Is
Crunchy on the outside, juicy and flaky on the inside. Think restaurant-level fish, but air fryer easy.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Fish
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1½–2 lb white fish fillets
(cod, haddock, tilapia, pollock, or halibut all work) -
Pat fish dry with paper towels (important for crispiness)
Seasoning / Crust
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½ cup breadcrumbs or panko (panko = extra crunch)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but 🔥)
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1½ tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½–1 tsp cayenne or chili powder (optional heat)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
Binder
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or mayo (helps crust stick)
Finishing (Optional)
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Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
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Lemon wedges
🔪 Prep Steps
1. Prep the Fish
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Cut fillets into large chunks or triangles (like in the photo).
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Pat completely dry—moisture kills crunch.
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Lightly salt both sides and let sit 5 minutes.
2. Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix:
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Breadcrumbs
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Parmesan
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All spices and herbs
Taste it—it should be bold. Fish needs seasoning.
3. Coat the Fish
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Brush fish lightly with olive oil or butter
(or thin layer of Dijon/mayo if using) -
Press fish firmly into breadcrumb mix on all sides
-
Shake off excess but don’t be shy—thick coating = crunch
🍳 Air Fryer Instructions
Temperature & Time
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Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C)
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Lightly spray basket with oil
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Arrange fish in a single layer (don’t crowd)
Cook
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Air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
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Fish is done when:
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Outside is deep golden brown
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Inside flakes easily with a fork
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Internal temp ≈ 145°F (63°C)
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👉 If you want it extra crispy, spray tops lightly with oil halfway through.
🔥 Oven Option (If No Air Fryer)
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Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes
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Broil last 2 minutes for extra color
🍋 Serve With
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Lemon squeeze (non-negotiable)
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Tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo
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Sides:
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Roasted potatoes
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Coleslaw
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Rice + veggies
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Simple salad
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💡 Pro Tips
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Thicker fish = juicier result
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Panko > regular breadcrumbs for crunch
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Don’t stack in the air fryer—work in batches if needed
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Leftovers reheat great at 375°F for 4–5 minutes
