Air Fryer Crispy Coastal Fish
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs white fish fillets (flounder, cod, or tilapia)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Hot sauce or tartar sauce for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Remove fish from fridge 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.
- Pat fillets completely dry on both sides with paper towels.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub evenly over both sides of each fillet. Brush or drizzle olive oil over the top.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and cornmeal if using. Press each fillet firmly into the mixture on both sides until well coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange fillets in a single layer with no overlapping.
- Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until the coating is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Check thinner fillets around 9 minutes.
- Remove from air fryer, rest for 1 minute, then serve with lemon wedges and your choice of sauce.
Notes
Always pat fish completely dry before coating — moisture is the number one reason the crust comes out soft instead of crispy. Don't skip this step even if you're in a hurry.