Name: Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: British-American
Ingredients: 1 pound white fish filets (thawed); ½ cup all-purpose flour; 3 Tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning (divided); 2 large eggs; 2 Tablespoons buttermilk; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; French fries (optional side); Tartar sauce (optional side); Lemon wedges (optional garnish)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving the classic British comfort food but want a lighter, faster way to enjoy it at home, this Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Perfectly crispy fish with a flavorful, seasoned coating meets golden, tender chips, all made without the hassle of deep frying. Using the air fryer ensures each bite is delightfully crunchy on the outside and flaky inside, while saving time and eliminating excess oil. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this recipe hits all the right notes for delicious, healthier fish and chips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular plate with four pieces of white fish fillets, lightly seasoned with black pepper and having a slightly golden surface, placed on a white marbled texture surface. Around the plate, there are five small white bowls arranged with different ingredients: a bowl filled with light brown breadcrumbs at the top right, a bowl with white flour below it, a small bowl with white liquid, and another bowl filled with reddish-brown spice at the bottom left. On the right side at the bottom, there is a white rectangular egg tray holding six brown eggs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe has a special role that brings together classic flavors and textures. Fresh fish gives you that flaky, tender bite, while a blend of flour, Old Bay seasoning, and breadcrumbs creates the perfect crispy outer layer. A simple mix of eggs and buttermilk ensures the coating adheres beautifully, making each filet irresistible.

1 pound white fish filets (thawed): Choose firm fish like flounder, cod, or haddock for optimal flakiness and hold.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Provides a dry base for the seasoning to stick to and helps create crunch.
3 Tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning (divided): Adds a zesty, savory kick that aromatizes the coating perfectly.
2 large eggs: Act as a binder to hold the breading layers together on the fish.
2 Tablespoons buttermilk: Introduces a touch of tang and moisture for the egg wash, enhancing crispiness.
1 cup plain breadcrumbs: The final crunchy layer that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
French fries (optional side): Classic accompaniment that completes the fish and chips experience.
Tartar sauce (optional side): Creamy, tangy dip that balances the crispy fish splendidly.
Lemon wedges (optional garnish): Freshens every bite with a bright citrus finish.

How to Make Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fish

Begin by patting your fish filets dry with clean paper towels. This ensures the coating sticks well and the fish crisps nicely instead of steaming inside the air fryer. Dry fish is the foundation for great texture.

Step 2: Season the Flour

In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with one tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning. This seasoned flour helps give the coating depth right from the first layer, infusing the fish with bold flavor.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. The buttermilk adds a slight tang and moisture that let the breadcrumbs cling perfectly when you dip the fish.

Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumbs

Mix the plain breadcrumbs with the remaining two tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning in a third dish. This final breading step delivers a colorful, flavorful, and crunchy crust once it hits the hot air fryer.

Step 5: Coat the Fish Filets

Dip each fish filet first into the seasoned flour, fully coating it, then into the egg wash, and finally press gently into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even, complete crust. Place each coated filet on a clean plate to await cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Spray both sides of each breaded filet generously with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the filets in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 6 to 10 minutes, flipping carefully halfway through. Watch as the coating crisps up beautifully while the fish turns tender inside.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe

Four breaded rectangular pieces with a light brown, crumbly texture are arranged on a simple white plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy sauce that has small green and black specks. Around the plate, there are whole bright yellow lemons and lemon wedges placed casually. The top left corner shows part of a white kitchen appliance with a black and gold handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Lemon wedges are an unbeatable match for fish and chips, adding a fresh burst of acidity that cuts through the richness and complements the Old Bay seasoning perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can also brighten the plate.

Side Dishes

Serve your golden fish with crispy French fries to replicate that classic fish and chips duo everyone loves. Add a bowl of tartar sauce or malt vinegar on the side for dipping—the creamy and tangy notes elevate every mouthful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the fish filets on top of a bed of seaweed salad or crispy kale chips to add extra texture and nutrition. You could also turn this into a fish taco night using warm tortillas and fresh slaw, using this Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe as a flavorful base.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cooked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though best enjoyed the same day for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze cooked fish, wrap each filet tightly in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s best eaten within one month to maintain texture and taste.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method revives the crisp coating better than the microwave or oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish filets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before starting the breading process to ensure the coating sticks well and cooks evenly.

Is Old Bay seasoning essential for the recipe?

Old Bay is a classic choice that adds wonderful flavor, but you can substitute with your favorite seafood seasoning or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper if you prefer.

How do I prevent the fish coating from falling off?

Patting the fish dry and following the three-step dip (flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs) with care is key. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the fish to secure the crust before air frying.

Can I cook the fries in the air fryer at the same time as the fish?

It’s best to cook in separate batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. Cook your fries first or after the fish for that perfect crispy texture.

What’s the best fish type to use for this recipe?

Firm white fish such as flounder, cod, haddock, or pollock work wonderfully because they stay intact during cooking and flake nicely when done.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe is a total game-changer if you love classic comfort food without the mess and calories of deep frying. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious, making every dinner feel like a special occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how tasty and easy homemade fish and chips can be!