Making Fish and Chips at home using an air fryer is super simple, healthy and cheaper.
Craving classic fish and chips without the heavy oil or deep-fried aftermath? This healthier air fryer version delivers the same golden crunch and flaky fish you love—using just a fraction of the fat. With a crisp, seasoned coating and thick-cut chips that turn perfectly tender inside, this recipe brings all the comfort of a British takeaway right to your kitchen. It’s quick, family-friendly, and weeknight-easy, proving you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy a lighter spin on a beloved classic.
Here’s our air fryer Fish & Chips recipe below.
Servings: 4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 – 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chips
- 3 large potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into thick chips
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Fish
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, pollock—about 150–170g each)
- Salt & pepper, to season
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Cooking spray (or a light drizzle of oil)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chips
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.
- Toss the potato chips with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Leave them in the basket while you cook the fish (they’ll stay warm).
2. Prepare the Fish
- Pat fish fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up your breading station:
- Bowl 1: flour
- Bowl 2: beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: panko mixed with garlic powder and paprika
- Coat each fillet: dredge in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko crumbs.
- Spray both sides of the breaded fish with cooking spray.
3. Cook the Fish
- Lower the air fryer temperature to 180°C / 360°F.
- Place fish fillets in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp and fish flakes easily.
4. Serve
Plate the crispy fish with the warm chips, a squeeze of lemon, tartar sauce, or malt vinegar.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the best fish to use when using an air fryer?
The best fish to use are white, firm fish such as Cod, Haddock and Pollock. All are equally as delicious but Haddock is the traditional British fish used in fish & chips takeaway.
How do I know when the fish is cooked through?
The fish will change in texture and appearance. Because the fish is breaded it may be trickier to tell when it is cooked. The best way to tell is the fish will flake when a fork is twisted through it and the fish will turn opaque,
Can I cook the chips and fish in the air fryer together?
Yes, you can cook both in the same basket however there are some things you need to know. The chips take longer than the fish so, they will need to go in the air fryer first to cook through for 10-15 minutes. Then add the fish on top or move the chips to the side and place the fish next to the chips. Make sure there is airflow in the basket and keep the fish in a single layer. You will need to lower the temperature once the fish goes in. If you do not have enough room for everything, you will need to cook in batches.
Can I use frozen fish in the air fryer?
Yes you can use frozen fish. It works well if the fish is breaded and frozen. It will take slightly longer to cook so, alwyas read the cooking instructions on the packet. Using frozen plain fish fillets may mean that more moisture is released so, after a few minutes of cooking it is advised to pat the fish with some kitchen roll to absorb the moisture. Pop back in the air fryer to cook through.