Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Air Fryer Fish and Chips is a lighter take on the beloved British classic. Crispy golden fish with fluffy chips come together without deep-frying, making it healthier yet still packed with flavour.

Ingredients

For the Fish

• 2–3 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock)
• ½ cup plain flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

For the Chips

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chips
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

How To Air Fryer Fish and Chips

1. Prep the potatoes – Soak the cut chips in cold water for 20–30 minutes, drain, and pat dry.
2. Cook the chips – Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 190°C / 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
3. Prepare the fish coating – Season flour with a little salt and pepper. Dredge each fillet in flour, dip into beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs mixed with paprika and garlic powder.
4. Air fry the fish – Lightly oil the basket. Place fish fillets in a single layer. Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 63°C / 145°F).
5. Combine – Add the chips back in for the last 2–3 minutes to reheat and crisp up alongside the fish.
6. Serve hot – With lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or mushy peas.

You Must Know

• Soaking chips removes excess starch, making them crispier.
• Panko breadcrumbs give the crunchiest texture but regular breadcrumbs also work.
• Always preheat the air fryer for best results.

Topping Variations

• Classic British – Malt vinegar and sea salt.
• Zesty twist – Lemon zest mixed into breadcrumbs.
• Cheesy chips – Sprinkle chips with grated cheddar just before serving.
• Spicy kick – Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.

Make It A Meal

• Serve with mushy peas or coleslaw on the side.
• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a lighter plate.
• Add a bread roll and butter for a proper chip shop feel.
• For pub vibes, serve with pickled onions and curry sauce.

Pro Tips

• Cut chips evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Pat fish fillets dry before coating for better adhesion.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
• Spray lightly with oil before air frying for extra crispiness.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before coating for best texture.

Which potatoes are best for chips?
Maris Piper or Russet potatoes work best for fluffy interiors and crispy edges.

Do I need to flip the fish?
Yes, flipping halfway helps cook evenly and crisp both sides.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 4–5 minutes.

Print

Air Fryer Fish and Chips

Print Recipe

This Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe comes out crispy and delicious every time. Golden, flaky white fish is paired with homemade fries for an easy air fryer meal that’s made with with less oil than traditional frying. 

• Author: Isabel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5
• Category: Main
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the chips

• 3 russet potatoes, about 1 1/2 pounds, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch long slices
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the fish

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 8-10 ounces beer, I used a light lager
• 1 pound cod fish, about 5 filets, the smaller the filets the better, patted dry with paper towels VERY WELL

Instructions

1. Soak the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, and up to 3 hours. If soaking for longer than 30 minutes, change the water at least once during the soak time.
2. To make the homemade fries, drain the water from the potatoes and dry them very well with a towel. Spray the basket of your air fryer generously with cooking oil spray. Place the fries in the basket and spray the tops with more oil.
3. Air fry the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. Toss, then fry again for 7 more minutes or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Remove to a serving dish and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
4. To make the fish, whisk ½ cup of the flour and all of the cornstarch together in a shallow bowl. In a separate large bowl, stir together the remaining 1 cup of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Pour in the beer and whisk to combine.
5. Dredge each piece of fish in the flour mixture, then submerge each in the batter, dripping off any excess batter. Place the fish pieces back in the flour mixture and sprinkle with more flour to fully coat, shaking off excess.
6. Place a sheet of parchment paper in the basket of your air fryer and generously spray it with cooking oil spray. Carefully place the coated fish into the basket. The fish pieces can be touching but not overlapping.
7. Spray the tops of the fish VERY WELL with cooking oil spray (you want them to be thoroughly coated) then air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. Open the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time and spray the fish again very well, then finish air frying.
8. Serve the fish and chips with freshly minced parsley and lemon slices for garnish, along with tartar sauce and ketchup for dipping, if desired.
9. *Make sure to read all of the tips below!