Air Fried Beer Battered Fish
Enjoy the crispy delight of air fried beer battered fish, a healthier spin on a classic dish that provides comfort and nostalgia.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Essential for the base of your batter.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Adds that extra crunch.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda Helps the batter to puff up beautifully.
- 6 ounces beer Choose a lager or ale for excellent flavor.
- 1 egg (beaten) Acts as a binding agent for a rich batter.
For the Coating
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour For dredging the fish to achieve a golden-brown crust.
- ½ teaspoon paprika Adds a mild kick and lovely color.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Provides a hint of warmth.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper For those who enjoy some heat.
For the Fish
- 1½ pounds cod Ensure the fish is at least 1½ inches thick, cut into 4 or 5 pieces.
For Frying
- Vegetable oil For spritzing. Use canola or avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.
- Add in the beer and the beaten egg, stirring until smooth.
- Cover the bowl of batter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Coating
- In a shallow dish, mix the ¾ cup of flour, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Preparing the Fish
- Ensure your pieces of cod are at least 1 to 1½ inches thick to prevent them from drying out in the air fryer.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.
Coating the Fish
- Dip the fish into the chilled batter, making sure to coat all sides.
- Allow any excess batter to drip off, then transfer each fillet to the flour mixture and coat it well, patting down gently to help the flour adhere.
Air Frying
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Generously spritz both sides of the coated fish fillets with vegetable oil and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air-fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Keep an eye out for any dry spots – spritz with more oil if necessary.
Serving
- Once golden brown and beautifully crisp, remove the fish from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, malt vinegar, and tartar sauce.
- Pair with homemade air-fried French fries and coleslaw for the full experience!
Notes
Allow the batter to chill before frying for the best results. Leftover fish can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days; reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness.