The Ultimate Guide to a Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fry at Home

Craving a crispy fish fry without all the oil and mess? This Air Fryer Fish Fry is the perfect healthier alternative to deep-frying — golden, crunchy, and ready in minutes! Whether you’re cooking up cod, tilapia, or catfish, this simple recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. For the perfect pairing, don’t forget to serve it with our Classic Cocktail Sauce — a tangy, homemade dip that takes your fish fry to the next level.

Ingredients

Seafood

• Shrimp – 10.6 oz (300 g), cleaned
• Calamari (Squid) – 0.7 lb (300 g), cleaned
• Anchovies – 7.1 oz (200 g), cleaned

For Breading

• Breadcrumbs – 1 ¼ cups (150 g)
• Type 00 Flour – ¾ cup (100 g)
• Eggs – 3
• Fine Salt – 1 pinch

For Frying & Serving

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – to taste (for frying or drizzling)
• Fine Salt – 1 pinch
• Lemon – 1, cut into wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Fish Fry Recipe !

To make this air fryer fish fry, it’s best to use pre-cleaned seafood for convenience, though you can clean it yourself if needed. Begin by setting up your breading station: place the flour in one bowl, the breadcrumbs in another, and beat the eggs with a pinch of salt in a third bowl. Pat all the seafood dry with paper towels to help the coating stick. Start by breading the anchovies—first, dredge them in the flour, then proceed with the remaining steps.

Dip them into the beaten eggs, then coat them evenly with breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for each piece, placing them on a tray as you go.

Next, place the breaded anchovies in the air fryer basket (we used a 6-liter model), making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly drizzle the tops with a little olive oil. Cook on crispy mode at 392°F (200°C) for about 4 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Repeat the process with the shrimp, starting by coating them in flour.

Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat them with breadcrumbs. As you finish each one, place it on the tray.

Once all the shrimp are breaded, arrange them in the air fryer basket, drizzle lightly with oil, and cook on crispy mode at 392°F (200°C) for about 7 minutes. Next, prepare the squid by cutting it into strips approximately ¾ inch wide.

Coat the squid strips the same way: first dredge them in flour, then dip in the eggs, and finish by coating with breadcrumbs.

Place the breaded squid strips in the air fryer basket and cook on crispy mode at 392°F (200°C) for about 6 minutes. Season with salt to taste, sprinkle with fresh lemon juice, and serve your air fryer fish fry immediately.

Tip:

Serve your air fryer fish fry with a zesty lime mayo—just mix mayonnaise with fresh lime zest and juice for a bright, tangy kick!

Enjoy a deliciously crispy and healthier fish fry made effortlessly in your air fryer. This recipe cuts down on oil without sacrificing flavor or crunch, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite dipping sauces—like a tangy cocktail sauce or zesty lime mayo—for an extra burst of flavor. Give it a try and bring the classic fish fry experience to your kitchen with less mess and guilt!

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