Fish fillet in the air fryer is one of my absolute favorites – whether you use fresh or frozen fillets. With panko breadcrumbs you get the crispiest coating, and the air fryer handles it all in 8-12 minutes. In this guide I cover everything from cooking times and temperature to reheating and homemade remoulade.

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents:
- Why Make Fish Fillet in the Air Fryer?
- What Kind of Dish Is Breaded Fish?
- Frozen Fish Fillet in the Air Fryer: Straight from Frozen, No Thawing
- What Types of Breading Can You Use?
- A Quick Recipe for Homemade Remoulade
- Side Dish Suggestions
- Why Fish Fillet in the Air Fryer Is the Perfect Everyday Meal
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Make Fish Fillet in the Air Fryer?
Cooking fish fillets in an air fryer gives you a healthier version of the classic dish, because you can achieve a crispy coating without using large amounts of oil. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, which gives a crispy exterior and a juicy center. This method is not only easy but also fast, as the fish fillets cook in just 8-10 minutes — making it an efficient way to serve a delicious dinner. It also minimizes the fat content of the dish compared to deep-frying, making it a healthier choice.
What Kind of Dish Is Breaded Fish?
Breaded fish has deep roots in Danish food culture and is found in countless variations all over the world. Breading gives the fish fillets a crispy surface that highlights the flavor of the juicy fish inside. Traditionally, the breading is made by dipping the fish fillets in flour, egg and breadcrumbs before they are fried in oil. This creates a contrast between the crispy surface and the tender fish, giving you a perfect bite. Breaded fish is often served with lemon, homemade remoulade or a fresh salad.
Til en klassisk dansk spise som spru00f8de og saftige fiskefileter fortjener du noget su00e6rligt i glasset. Vi foreslu00e5r en Louis Latour Grand Ardu00e8che Chardonnay 2023. En hvidvin der komplementerer fisken helt perfekt uden at overdu00f8ve den spru00f8de panering.
Frozen Fish Fillet in the Air Fryer: Straight from Frozen, No Thawing
Place the frozen fish fillets straight into the basket without thawing – that’s the whole trick. Give them 10-12 minutes at 200°C, and turn them halfway through for even browning. Spray with a little oil for extra color and crispiness. Got leftovers from the day before? Then you can reheat the fish fillets in the air fryer in just 2-3 minutes at 180°C – and they’ll get their crispiness back.
What Types of Breading Can You Use?
There are many ways to bread fish fillets. Try panko breadcrumbs for an extra light and crispy texture that works fantastically in the air fryer. For frozen fish fillets, the trick is 10-12 minutes at 200°C for a perfect result every time.
A Quick Recipe for Homemade Remoulade
Mix mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers and finely chopped herbs. Season with lemon juice, salt and pepper to create a fresh and flavorful remoulade. This quick but delicious remoulade is a perfect match for the fish fillets.
Side Dish Suggestions
Traditionally, breaded fish fillets are served with freshly baked rye bread and butter as a classic open-faced sandwich (smørrebrød). But the dish can also be served as a hearty dinner with caramelized potatoes in the air fryer and parsley sauce. Also try my fish cakes in the air fryer as an alternative when you fancy fish in a different way.
Try a homemade tartar sauce on the side. Together with a serving of fries. Then you’ve got a Danish version of Fish ‘n’ Chips.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Why Fish Fillet in the Air Fryer Is the Perfect Everyday Meal
Fish fillet in the air fryer is my preferred way to make crispy breaded fish – both fresh and frozen. You avoid deep-frying and still get a perfectly golden coating without unnecessary fat. Leftovers can be reheated in 2-3 minutes at 180°C, so the crispiness comes back. Served with homemade remoulade and your favorite sides, it’s an everyday meal that never disappoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
A frozen fish fillet typically needs 10-12 minutes at 200°C (390°F). Flip it halfway through for the crispiest result.
Yes, a light oil spray helps make the breading extra crispy and golden, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs give an even crispier surface than regular breadcrumbs when you cook fish in the airfryer.
Recipe

Fish Fillets in the Air Fryer
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Ingredients
- 500 g fish fillets
- 100 g plain flour
- 2 pcs eggs
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Salt and pepper
- 1 pcs Lemon
How to make it
- Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs.
- Pat 500 g fish fillets dry and season with 1 tbsp Salt and pepper.
- First coat the fish fillets in 100 g plain flour, then in 2 pcs eggs and finally in 100 g breadcrumbs, so they are well covered.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C. (Use a preset programme, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking)
- Place the fish fillets in the air fryer, avoiding overlap, so they have room to become crispy.
- Cook the fish fillets for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, so both sides become golden brown.Start the online kitchen timer here
- Take them out with tongs or a spatula, and serve immediately with 1 pcs Lemon and sides of your choice.
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Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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