Air Fryer Fish and Chips
Why this recipe works
- Crisp without deep-frying: Air frying gives the chips and breadcrumb coating good browning while using far less oil than traditional frying.
- Efficient cooking: The chips and fish cook in the same air fryer basket in sequence, keeping the method straightforward and tidy.
- Classic flavour cues: Flaky white fish, chunky chips, salt, pepper and lemon keep the dish recognisably close to British fish and chips.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Dry the chips thoroughly: After rinsing, towel-dry the potatoes very well; surface moisture stops them browning properly in the air fryer.
- Use panko for extra crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, more jagged coating than standard breadcrumbs.
- Watch the fish closely: Turn the fillets gently halfway and stop cooking once the fish flakes easily; thinner pieces may finish sooner.
Common mistakes
- Overfilling the basket: If the fish is crowded, the crumb coating can soften. Cook in batches so hot air can circulate around each piece.
- Using the chip temperature for fish: Reduce the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for the fish so the coating browns without drying out the fillets.
- Cooking the fish too early: Cook the chips first and the fish last so the breaded fillets reach the table at their crispest.
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm white fish: Cod is a classic option, but any firm, skinless white fish that flakes cleanly works well.
- Dry the fillets before breading: Patting the fish dry helps the flour, egg and breadcrumbs adhere evenly.
- Add lemon at the end: Squeeze lemon over the fish just before eating to keep the crumb coating crisp.
Serving ideas
- Classic sauces: Serve with tartare sauce, ketchup or a splash of malt vinegar.
- British-style sides: Peas or mushy peas make a simple, traditional pairing.
- Serve immediately: Bring the fish and chips to the table straight away with lemon wedges while the coating is still crisp.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Chips
Breaded fish
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into chunky chips, roughly 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Rinse briefly, then dry very well, tip into a bowl and toss with the olive oil, half the fine sea salt and half the black pepper.
- Heat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes. Add the chips and air fry for 22 to 28 minutes, shaking the basket every 7 to 8 minutes, until browned and tender inside.
- Meanwhile, set up a breading line: plain flour in one bowl, whisked eggs in a second, and breadcrumbs in a third. Pat the fish dry, then coat each piece in flour, dip in egg, and press into breadcrumbs to coat well.
- When the chips are done, tip them onto a tray and season with the remaining fine sea salt and black pepper. Keep them warm while you cook the fish.
- Reduce the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the breaded fish in the basket in a single layer and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning carefully halfway, until deeply golden and the fish flakes easily.
- Cut the lemon into wedges. Serve the fish and chips straight away with lemon for squeezing over.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Dry chips brown more effectively, so take a minute to really towel-dry the potatoes after rinsing.
- Avoid overcrowding: cook the fish in batches if needed so the coating stays crisp.
- If serving young children, check the fish carefully for any pin bones before coating.
Substitutions
- Replace White fish fillet with Cod fillet for a classic flavour and thick flakes.
- Replace Breadcrumbs with Panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crisp coating.
- Replace Olive oil with Rapeseed oil for a more neutral flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat fish and chips in an air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 6 to 10 minutes until piping hot; the coating will crisp back up best if you reheat in a single layer.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: British
-
Allergens:
Eggs Fish Gluten Wheat
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