Description of this recipe
This recipe delivers the irresistible satisfaction of classic fish and chips, but with a fraction of the oil, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Crispy, golden chips and flaky, flavorful fish, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time and with less mess. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this air-fryer version offers a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the taste and texture you crave.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this air-fryer fish and chips for several reasons:
- Healthier: Significantly reduces the amount of oil compared to traditional frying, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Faster: The air fryer cooks the fish and chips much quicker than a conventional oven, saving you precious time on busy evenings.
- Crispier: Achieves a wonderfully crispy texture for both the fish and the chips, mimicking the results of deep frying.
- Easier Cleanup: Air fryers are notoriously easy to clean, unlike dealing with large amounts of hot oil from deep frying.
- Delicious: The flavors are just as satisfying as the original, with perfectly cooked fish and crispy, seasoned chips.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, using different types of fish, seasonings, and sides.
Introduction
Fish and chips is a timeless classic, a comforting dish that evokes memories of seaside vacations and cozy pub lunches. However, the traditional method of deep frying can be heavy and unhealthy. This air-fryer version offers a fantastic alternative, allowing you to enjoy the same great taste and texture without the excess oil. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior and a perfectly cooked interior. This recipe is not only healthier but also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the chips to coating and cooking the fish, ensuring that you achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to savor the delightful combination of crispy chips and flaky fish, all with a healthier twist!
Ingredients:
- 60g cornflour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried mixed herbs
- 2 white fish fillets, such as cod, haddock or basa (about 150-200g each)
- 3 medium potatoes, such as Desirée or Maris Piper
- 6-8 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- Mushy peas and tartar sauce, to serve (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish Coating
In a shallow dish or on a large dinner plate, thoroughly combine the cornflour, smoked paprika, dried mixed herbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Ensure there are no lumps of cornflour. This mixture will create a flavorful and crispy coating for your fish fillets. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth, while the mixed herbs provide a pleasant aromatic note.
Step 2: Coat the Fish Fillets
Take each fish fillet and gently press it into the cornflour mixture, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated. Pat the mixture down lightly to help it adhere. You want a nice, even layer of coating, which will contribute to the crispy texture when air-fried. Set the coated fish fillets aside. If you have time, let the coated fillets rest for about 10-15 minutes; this will help the coating adhere even better during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Chips
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. You can choose to peel them or leave the skins on, depending on your preference. Leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and a rustic touch. Cut the potatoes into 1cm-thick chips using a large, sharp knife. Try to make the chips as uniform in size as possible to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Season and Oil the Chips
Place the cut chips in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, a generous pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss the chips thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This step is crucial for achieving crispy and flavorful chips. The oil helps the chips to brown and crisp up in the air fryer.
Step 5: Air-Fry the Chips
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Place the seasoned chips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the chips from cooking evenly and becoming crispy. You may need to cook the chips in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the chips for approximately 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. The chips should be golden brown and crispy when they are done. Remove the cooked chips from the air fryer and keep them warm while you prepare the fish.
Step 6: Oil the Fish Fillets
Pour the remaining 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil onto a large dinner plate. Gently dredge the coated fish fillets in the oil, ensuring that both sides are lightly coated. This step helps the fish to become crispy and golden brown in the air fryer.
Step 7: Air-Fry the Fish Fillets
Place the oiled fish fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. If necessary, cook the fish in batches. Set the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and cook the fish for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Carefully flip the fish halfway through the cooking time. The fish is done when it is flaky and opaque, and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the air-fried fish and chips immediately while they are still hot and crispy. Traditionally, fish and chips are served with mushy peas and tartar sauce, but you can also enjoy them with other condiments such as ketchup, malt vinegar, or lemon wedges.
COOKING Rating:
Easy – This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal cooking skills.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with mushy peas and tartar sauce for a classic fish and chips experience.
- Add a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
- Offer lemon wedges or malt vinegar for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of baked beans.
Tips:
- For extra crispy chips, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to remove excess starch.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the chips and fish in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish fillets and the size of your air fryer.
- To reheat leftovers, air fry for a few minutes until crispy and heated through.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on salt added)
Conclusion
This air-fryer fish and chips recipe offers a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy a classic comfort food. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture and delicious flavor with significantly less oil. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthier alternative to traditional fried food, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While cod, haddock, and basa are excellent choices for air-fryer fish and chips due to their flaky texture and mild flavor, you can certainly experiment with other white fish like pollock, tilapia, or even hake. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the fish fillets. Thicker fillets may require a minute or two longer, while thinner fillets may cook faster. Also, consider the flavor profile of the fish; some fish have a stronger taste, which may influence the overall flavor of the dish.
Q2: What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I still make this recipe?
A: While this recipe is specifically designed for the air fryer, you can still adapt it for oven baking or pan-frying, although the results will differ slightly. For oven baking, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the coated fish fillets and seasoned chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the fish and chips halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. For pan-frying, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the coated fish fillets in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried fish on paper towels to remove excess oil. The oven-baked version will be less crispy than the air-fried version, while the pan-fried version will be closer in texture but will contain more oil.
Q3: How can I make the chips even crispier?
A: There are several tricks you can use to ensure that your air-fryer chips are extra crispy. First, soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent them from crisping up properly. Be sure to pat the chips dry with paper towels before tossing them with oil and seasonings. Another tip is to parboil the chips for about 5 minutes before air-frying. This will soften the inside of the chips and allow them to crisp up more effectively in the air fryer. Finally, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can trap moisture and prevent the chips from becoming crispy. Cook the chips in batches if necessary.
Q4: Can I add more seasoning to the fish or chips?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. For the fish, you could add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or lemon pepper to the cornflour mixture. For the chips, you could add paprika, rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese after they come out of the air fryer. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile. Also, adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your liking. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Q5: How long can I store leftovers, and how should I reheat them?
A: Leftover air-fryer fish and chips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the fish and chips in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven, but the air fryer will help to restore some of the original crispiness. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this can make them soggy. It’s best to reheat the fish and chips separately to maintain their individual textures. Reheated fish may not be as flaky as when freshly cooked, but it will still be delicious!
