A simple, easy recipe for Air Fryer Fish and Chips that reduces added fat and calories. The fish is breaded at home while frozen fries are used to save time, making this a quick weeknight favorite.
The air fryer is one of my go-to appliances for cooking frozen foods and getting great texture without deep frying. If you enjoy air fryer recipes, try classics like air fryer chicken cordon bleu, grilled cheese, frozen onion rings, or chicken parmesan for more easy meals.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Fish and Chips
Air fryer fish and chips is one of my favorite easy meals. I use a 3.5 qt Avalon Bay air fryer, which is perfect for one or two people. If you cook for a larger family, choose a bigger-capacity fryer.
For the fastest option, some frozen supermarket fish-and-chip combos work well in the air fryer, but making your own breaded fish reduces sodium and processing. The simple breading method mirrors deep frying: dredge fish in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs seasoned to taste. Place the breaded fillets and frozen fries in the basket and air fry at 390°F (roughly 200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is golden and the fries are crisp. Serve with homemade tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dip.
Ingredients Needed Air Fryer Fish and Chips
- Tilapia filets or another white fish (cod, haddock, walleye)
- Flour – for dredging
- 1 egg – beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs – for a light, crispy coating
- Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Frozen crinkle-cut fries (e.g., Ore-Ida)
- Lemon wedges or tartar sauce for serving
How to Make Air Fryer Fish and Chips
Step 1: Set out three shallow bowls. Put the flour in the first bowl, beat the egg in the second, and combine panko breadcrumbs with Old Bay seasoning in the third.
Step 2: Pat the fish dry, then coat each fillet in flour, dip into the beaten egg, and press into the seasoned panko to coat evenly. Place the breaded fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Add the frozen fries alongside or in a separate batch if your basket is small. Air fry at 390°F for about 15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through if your fryer instructions recommend it. Fries may require shaking or turning according to package directions and your fryer’s performance.
Serving size: 1 tilapia filet. Refer to the fries packaging for serving size and portion accordingly.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe FAQs
Tartar sauce is a classic—mix mayo, pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Lemon wedges are great too. For a twist, serve air fryer sweet potato fries or your favorite dipping sauce like ranch.
Old Bay and Cajun seasoning are both excellent choices. Adjust amounts to taste and consider adding a little garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Some models recommend preheating while others do not. Check your air fryer manual. Preheating for a few minutes can help the breading crisp up faster.
Store leftovers in an airtight, food-safe container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispness rather than microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
More Great Air Fryer Recipes to Try:
-
Air Fryer Desserts
-
Air Fryer Peach Cobbler
-
2-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Berry Cobbler
-
Best Air Fryer Appetizers
If you try this Air Fryer Fish and Chips or any recipe here, please leave a star rating and share your experience in the comments — feedback is always appreciated.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips
4.5 from 4 reviews
Description
A simple and easy fish and chips recipe made in the air fryer to cut back on added fat and extra calories. The fish is breaded at home while store-bought fries keep the meal quick and convenient.
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia filets (4–6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Old Bay seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper
- Frozen crinkle-cut fries
Instructions
- Gather three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and panko mixed with Old Bay in the third.
- Dry the fish, then dredge each filet in flour, dip in egg, and press into the panko mixture. Place fillets in the air fryer basket and add fries according to space and package directions.
- Air fry at 390°F for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is golden and crisp. Adjust cook time for your fryer and thickness of fillets.
- Serve with lemon wedges, homemade tartar sauce, or your favorite dip. One filet per serving; portion fries per package directions.
Notes
myWW points: Blue 7; Green 10; Purple 7. Points were calculated with the WW recipe builder app.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 219
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 356 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g