Air Fryer Crispy Fish Fillets with Lemon
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Diet: Heart-Healthy
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 white fish fillets (such as Cod, Tilapia, or Haddock)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Start by patting the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is the secret to getting a truly crispy crust that stays attached to the fish. Season both sides of the fillets lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix the breadcrumb mixture well to ensure the spices and zest are evenly distributed.
- Dredge each fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the fillet into the egg wash until fully coated. Finally, press the fish into the Panko mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly and pressing the crumbs down so they stick well.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Generously spray the tops of the fish fillets with olive oil spray—this helps them turn golden brown. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when the coating is golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).