Battered fish is something I must try at least once a week. It was actually a special recipe from my grandma, and now I’m used to it. And throughout this time, our old microwave oven was my partner for the recipe.
But since I started to prefer convection waves over microwaves due to health concerns, I continued testing different air fryer recipes, including this one. And believe me, this air fryer version was too good.
Super flaky, crispy, and buttery fish filet. Curious about the magician behind this magic? Don’t worry, here I am with the magician, the best air fryer for battered fish, the PowerXL Maxx 7 qt air fryer.
Best air fryer for battered fish: Our Criteria
When selecting the best air fryers for battered fish, a number of considerations are taken into account. First of all, high wattage and even heat distribution are crucial to achieving maximum crispiness on the fish. It is necessary for the air fryer to be at least 1500W-1800W.
Moreover, models that have “rapid air circulation technology” are best for even crisping. And fortunately, PowerXL Maxx 7 qt air fryer features 1700W rapid air fryer technology, making it the best choice for battered fish.
Thinking about the capacity? Yes, the capacity is also important to allow space for each fish fillet so that they can be cooked appropriately without too much crowding. And its 7 Qt capacity is pretty good for a couple or probably a family of 4.
I also love how quick it is! With the temperature up to 400°F, it cooks fish incredibly fast and perfectly. The accurate temperatures of 375-400°F is important for fish to achieve a crispy exterior, yet tender inside.
But what makes it the best air fryer for battered fish recipe for me is “it’s a one-touch and go” machine. No preheating is needed or no time is required in processing. Just prepare the fish, set the time and temperature, and then get ready for the meal!
To summarize:
- Cook faster, but the food tastes better
- Good size
- Heats evenly and quickly
- Crispy and perfectly cooked battered fish within just 35 minutes (20 minutes prep + 15 minutes cook)
- No mess and no hassle with cleaning (non-stick basket)
- Healthy alternative to deep frying (up to 70% less fat)
How to Make the Best Air Fryer Battered Fish Using the PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic?
Believe me, you’re surely going to love this PowerXL Air Fryer Battered Fish recipe. It is super easy, quick, and delicious. Traditionally, batter is used, but I will use a thin coating of batter that resembles that of fried fish. So, let’s go for it.
Ingredients
– 2-3 fillets of cod, haddock, or tilapia of your choosing. For me, I mostly prefer cod fillet cut into strips for even cooking. I used 1 lb of cod fillet and cut it into 4 strips.
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic and onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper each
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon of water
– 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs for additional crispiness
– 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes for optional crunch
– Cooking oil or oil spray
Let’s cook!
Step 1: Prep the Coating
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water in a separate dish.
- Set the last bowl aside; panko and cornflakes will be mixed together in it.
Step 2: Coat the Fish
- Coat each fish strip well with the flour mixture for the best results.
- Then, dip the strips into the beaten egg mixture, making sure all surfaces are well coated.
- Now, press the fillets into the breadcrumb mixture until it is evenly coated and adheres.
Step 3: Air Fry the Fish
- Spray the air fryer basket with some oil.
- Arrange the fish fillets in the basket in a single layer without placing too many pieces in the basket.
- For extra crispiness, I like to spray the fish with oil before starting cooking.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping around the halfway point.
- When done, the fish should look golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Now it’s time to enjoy the meal. Serve with some tartar sauce, coleslaw, and lemon wedges and enjoy!
Any Tips? Yes, Here we are!
- Avoid using very wet batter, such as beer batter, as it will not cook nicely in an air fryer.
- For a crunchier texture, panko breadcrumbs can be used.
- Spray oil on before air frying to give it a crispy golden color.
Easy Cleanup
Many people believe that the battered fish tend to stick into the basket and lead to being torn apart over time. If so, then a big thanks to its nonstick and easy-to-clean surface. PowerXL 7 Qt Air Fryer makes cleaning just a breeze!
The crisper tray catches all the dirt and crumbs, keeping the inner chamber neat and clean. Moreover, the accessories are dishwasher safe and easy-to-clean.
But What about the Taste?
Just incredible! The taste was just something more than I expected. And the look? I was just mesmerized. A beautiful, crispy, golden crust but not overcooking the fish inside. I loved the super tenderness on the inside and crunchiness on the outside.
But for me, I think it was too crispy as a fish recipe. So, I reduced the cooking time to 12 minutes in my next cooking session. And that time, the crispiness was the most perfect thing for me.
Check the price PowerXL 7 qt Maxx Classic air fryer on Amazon
Why is the PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic Best for battered fish?
The PowerXL 7 QT Maxx Classic Air Fryer is one of the best air fryers for preparing crispy battered fish due to its high wattage, bigger capacity, and superior air circulation. The adjustable temperature control gives you the ability to select the ideal heat (around 375-400°F) for crispy battered fish.
It achieves high temperatures quickly when maintained as compared to lower-powered models, thus reducing sogginess. Accessories such as a crisper tray can also allow airflow around the fish.
Additionally, the PowerXL allows easy access to oil spray without needing to constantly open the basket. This is also a versatile option for more than just fish! Fries, chicken, shrimp, eggs, and vegetables can also be air-fried, making this an all-purpose kitchen appliance.
So, want to have some crispy golden-brown fish fillets without all the mess of deep frying? No better way than the PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic 5-in-1.