My Air Fryer Fish & Chips is crazy delicious! Let’s be real: deep-frying at home is a mess. Between the splatter, the lingering oil smell, and trying to keep the temp just right, it’s way more effort than it’s worth most nights. That’s why I love this air fryer version of classic fish and chips — all the crispy golden outside, juicy flaky inside, and satisfying comfort food feel… but without the grease or hassle. It’s fast, easy, and totally weeknight-approved. Don’t forget the tartar sauce—my Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce is creamy, tangy, and so much better than store-bought!

Up close shot of the Air Fryer Fish And Chips on a platter with fries and lemon wedges and tartar sauce on side

Take a trip to the seaside with this delicious air fryer fish and chips recipe. A newspaper-wrapped meal in a basket, that can be paired with some vinegar and sea salt air on a boardwalk, is the vibe you will experience.

Air Fryer Fish And Chips on a platter with fries and lemon wedges and tartar sauce on side

What Are Fish and Chips?

This is your go-to air fryer take on traditional fish and chips, minus the deep fryer. Tender white fish filets (like flounder or cod) get dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in a light egg-buttermilk wash, and coated in a crispy Old Bay breadcrumb mixture. Then into the air fryer they go until golden and crisp. Serve it up with a handful of fries (homemade or frozen), a squeeze of lemon, and your favorite tartar sauce — and you’ve got yourself a pub-style plate right from your kitchen. Just delicious battered fish air-fried to a crispy perfection. Whether you want to whip up a quick dish for one or make a meal to serve up to a crowd, this air fryer recipe is a must. Picky kids and teens will devour the juicy and flaky fish. Additionally, using the air fryer instead of deep-frying helps make this a healthier dish with less guilt.

overhead look of air fryer basket with fish inside the air fryer

No Deep Fryer Needed For This Crispy Fish!

This air fryer fish is proof that no deep fryer is required to create that perfect crusted fish. The first time I tested this, it was one of those evenings when I wanted something good, but I didn’t want to deal with a million steps. I had some flounder filets in the fridge and figured why not see if the air fryer could pull it off. Spoiler: it totally did. Crispy outside, flaky inside, no oil burns, no fuss. And once I realized how fast it came together — dinner in under 30 minutes — it became part of our regular weeknight rotation.

Air Fryer Fish And Chips on a table with some parchment paper under it with lemon wedges and tartar sauce

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Fish And Chips Recipe

Fuss Free: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. Busy weeknight or comfort cravings on the weekend, this recipe works any day of the week.

Crispy: You get that perfect crunch of the fish and fries without all the excess grease.

Freezer Friendly: Have a bunch of fish you want to cook up? This is a freezer-friendly recipe. Whip up your fish, then freeze it for a meal later down the line.

Ingredients Breakdown

Fish: You will want to reach for a white fish of your choice. Tilapia or cod are both very popular fish that are often used when making fish planks.

Flour: All-purpose flour is best, as it is going to be the base of the breading.

Old Bay Seasoning: Bring in the coastal flavors with this spice blend. You are going to find tons of flavor in this spice blend.

Eggs: The eggs are the binder agent for the recipe.

Buttermilk: Adding buttermilk will not only impart a tangy flavor but also help coat the fish and retain its moisture.

Breadcrumbs: For added crunch, you will use breadcrumbs to help create an extra crunch.

Cooking Spray: This is used to help get that golden crunch on the coating of the fish.

Fries: You can buy any frozen fries you would like, or whip up some fresh fries if you would like.

Tartar Sauce and Lemon Wedges: Both are optional and can be used to add flavor to the fish and chips in the recipe.

Storage and Freezing

The fish and chips will last for up to two days in the fridge in an airtight container. You can reheat them for 3-4 minutes in the air fryer.

If you want to freeze the fish, let it flash freeze for an hour on a lined cookie sheet. Transfer to a freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 3 months. Then place the frozen food straight in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at 375 degrees. Then flip, spray with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Air Fryer Fish And Chips on platter with tartar sauce in a small bowl

This recipe is one of those low-effort, high-reward dinners that just always hits. The coating gets perfectly golden with just a little cooking spray, and you don’t have to babysit it. You can prep a quick slaw, throw the fries in a second batch, or just stand there munching the edges while the rest finishes (no judgment — I do it too). I’ve also played around with the breading over time — sometimes I swap in panko for a little extra crunch, or I mix up the seasoning if I’m feeling spicy. But the core recipe? Always solid.

And if you’re new to cooking fish or nervous about it drying out, this method is super forgiving. The air fryer keeps it moist and juicy while giving you all the crispy coating you’re craving.

Up close shot of the Air Fryer Fish And Chips on a platter cut open so you can see the inside

Serving

If you’re unsure what to serve with fish and chips, let me help you with some tasty options that might hit the spot.

Coleslaw will add a nice crunch and tangy flavors.
A pile of golden fries, or even go a step further and reach for sweet potato fries for a hint of sweetness. Or opt for larger potato wedges.
Serve up with a green salad with your favorite vinaigrette dressing.
Serve with a pint of cold beer, or for a healthier option, kombucha.
Cucumber salad is a light and fresh side that complements the seafood flavor.

Tips

Here are a few helpful tips for success when it comes to making this seafood recipe.

Make sure to pat the fish dry before breading, to help create a crisp coating.
Leave space between the fish as you place it in the air fryer. If you overcrowd, you will get uneven cooking.
If you find the fish is not getting a golden brown color, add a bit more cooking spray to help create a golden color.
Preheating the air fryer first helps achieve a crispy texture on the outside of the fish.

Up close shot of the Air Fryer Fish inside the air fryer basket

For this recipe, I used my COSORI 6.8Qt Air Fryer—and it’s been a game-changer in my kitchen. It has a wide basket that’s perfect for getting everything crisp without crowding, and the presets make it super easy for quick dinners. If you’re looking for a reliable air fryer that can handle any recipe like a pro, here’s the exact one I use in my Amazon store. It’s big enough to cook for the whole family, but compact enough to not hog counter space. I use it almost daily!

overhead look of Air Fryer Fish And Chips on a tray on table with lemons, parsley, and air fryer to side

When to Serve

This one’s a keeper for:

Busy weeknights when you want something fast but still made from scratch
Friday fish fry vibes without the fryer
Casual dinners with kids — it’s a hit every time
Lighter comfort food when you’re craving crispy but not fried

It comes together in under 30 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze — no vats of oil to dump, no batter dripping all over the counter.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of fish works best for air fryer fish?
Mild white fish like flounder, cod, haddock, or tilapia are ideal. They’re tender, cook quickly, and pair perfectly with a crispy breadcrumb coating. Just make sure they’re boneless and cut into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Can I use frozen fish filets?
Yes — just make sure they’re fully thawed before you start. Pat them dry really well with paper towels so the coating sticks properly. If they’re too wet, the breading will slide off during cooking.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes. Preheating your air fryer (even for just 3–5 minutes) helps give the coating a head start on crisping and prevents the fish from overcooking before the crust gets golden.

How do I get the coating to really stick?
Make sure you fully coat each filet in the flour first — this helps the egg wash adhere. Then press them gently into the breadcrumbs to really lock in that coating. Don’t rush the dipping process — a good breading = a good crunch.

Can I use panko instead of plain breadcrumbs?
Totally. Panko will give you an even crispier result, but regular plain breadcrumbs work great too, especially when seasoned well with Old Bay.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. You can even use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes as a fun alternative for the coating.

fish broke in half showing the flaky fish centers of the crispy fish fillets

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem. Just add ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 2 tablespoons of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes — instant buttermilk substitute.

Why do I need to spray the fish with oil?
It’s key for that golden crust. Spraying both sides lightly with oil before cooking helps the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up like traditional fried fish — but without all the grease.

Do I need to flip them?
Yes — halfway through cooking is the sweet spot. Flipping helps them cook evenly and crisp on both sides.

Can I cook the fries at the same time?
If your air fryer is big enough and you don’t overcrowd, you can do both — just keep an eye on the timing. Otherwise, cook the fries first and keep them warm while the fish finishes.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. Don’t microwave them — they’ll go soggy.

This is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes — quick, crispy, homemade, and totally satisfying. It tastes like comfort food but still feels light, and it’s one of those meals that disappears fast once it hits the table. Keep this one in your weeknight rotation — it’s a no-fuss classic you’ll keep coming back to.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips