Do you want the most deliciously flaky, crispy fish with none of the mess or oil of deep frying? This easy Air Fryer Haddock recipe is your answer. In less than 20 minutes, it gives a crispy crust and a moist interior without anything squishy, which is delightful.
It has become our weeknight dinner backup to use when we like something fast and healthy. It gives you the lovely texture of a traditionally fried fish but with a lot less oil. This then results in creating a lighter dish but which is not less flavourful, hence ideal to have on a diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another fish recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy evenings. The air fryer just works its magic and with the hot air circulating, the result is a perfect golden-brown crust that would not be beaten at any restaurant.
Furthermore, the cleanup is incredibly simple. Forget about handling a large pot of hot oil. The only thing that should be cleaned is the air fryer basket, which often do not require any special cleaning and can be wiped with ease. This makes the whole process of prep and cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The recipe is so simple with only a few pantry ingredients required. The trick is to form a light breading that will get beautifully crisp in the air fryer.
- Haddock Fillets: 2 (6-ounce) haddock fillets, fresh or thawed
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup for dredging
- Large Egg: 1, beaten
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup to get it super crispy
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Olive Oil Spray: For coating the fish and basket
How to Make Air Fryer Haddock
Just take it step by step and you rotisserie will have a delicious crispy fish dinner. The steps are easy to follow and are great to an everyday cook regardless of their skills.
Time & Servings
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 mins |
| Cook Time | 8-10 mins |
| Total Time | 20 mins |
Serves: 2
Step-by-Step Instructions
- PREPARE your dredging station. Set up three shallow dishes. Have 1 plate filled with flour, the other with beaten egg and a third one filled with panko breadcrumbs.
- SEASON the breadcrumbs. Combine the paprika, the garlic powder, the salt, and pepper into the dish that contains the panko breadCrumbs.
- With the help of a paper towel, PAT the haddock fillets until absolutely dry. This is essential in making the breading stick and to get the maximum amount of crispiness.
- COAT the fish. First coating Fillet of haddock piece in the flour; shake off. Dip them then in the beaten egg and shake off, until the superfluous drops off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides.
- LAY the breaded fillets in the basket of the air fryer in one layer. Ensure that they do not overlap in order to have even circulation of air. Lightly spritz the tops with olive oil spray.
- AIR FRY at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- SERVE right away with lemon wedges and the dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crispy Haddock
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: To get the optimal results, never skip preheating your air fryer by leaving it to warm up 3-5 minutes. This assists in making the breading begin to crisp as soon as it is placed into the basket.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking in a single layer is essential. When you are making 2 times the recipe, make small portions of haddock at a time so that the fillets will become crispy.
- Panko as opposed to Regular Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and do not soak up as much oil and gives it a much crisper and crunchier texture as compared to their traditional counterparts.
What to Serve with Haddock
This versatile Air Fryer Haddock pairs well with many classic side dishes. To have the traditional fish and chips, use air fryer french fries or potato wedges. Creamy coleslaw or simple side salad will also give a delicious contrast of crispy fish. Don’t forget a side of tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to finish it off.
A Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution
This Air Fryer Haddock recipe proves that you can enjoy delicious, crispy fish any night of the week without the guilt or hassle. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
We hope you enjoy this simple and flavorful dish. And in case you make this recipe, we would like you to send us your feedback on how it came out by sharing it with us in a comment and rating below. We love hearing from our readers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen haddock for this recipe?
Why, indeed, you may take frozen haddock, but you must thaw it out before you start. Patting the fillets dry with a paper towel is important to ensure there is no moisture- this is the secret to crispy crust. Make sure to dry the fillets after thawing.
What is the way I can learn when the haddock is cooked thoroughly?
The best means of ensuring doneness is an instant-read thermometer. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
What other types of fish can I use?
This recipe works wonderfully with other firm white fish. Haddock can be replaced by cod, pollock, or tilapia, and all of them are excellent alternatives that you can use to produce the same tasty results. Variation of the thick of fillet may vary by slight adjustments in its cooking time.
Ingredients
- 2 (6-ounce) haddock fillets, fresh or thawed
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Large Egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Olive Oil Spray
Instructions
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and a third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the dish with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Pat the haddock fillets completely dry with a paper towel.
- Coat each haddock fillet first in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, press it firmly into the panko mixture to coat all sides.
- Lay the breaded fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before cooking for the best results.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if making a larger quantity.
- Panko breadcrumbs are recommended over regular breadcrumbs for a much crisper texture.
- You can use frozen haddock, but it must be completely thawed and patted dry before breading.
- Other firm white fish like cod, pollock, or tilapia can be used as substitutes.
- Serve with sides like air fryer french fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple salad.