Skippers Fish Air Fryer Recipe – Easy, Healthy, and Delicious
Are you craving a quick and flavorful seafood dish that’s both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than this Skippers Fish Air Fryer Recipe, a modern twist on a classic favorite. This recipe is inspired by the beloved battered fish served at Skippers restaurants but made lighter and crispier with the help of an air fryer. The air fryer not only delivers perfectly golden and crunchy fish without the need for deep frying, but it also significantly reduces the oil and calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture. It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and works perfectly as a main course paired with chips, a fresh salad, or even steamed vegetables.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
- Course: Main Course
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 280
Ingredients
To prepare this Skippers Fish Air Fryer Recipe, you’ll need:
For the Fish:
- 4 fillets of white fish (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
For Serving (optional):
- Lemon wedges
- Tartar sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Three shallow bowls for dredging
- Baking sheet or plate (for resting the fish)
- Tongs or a fork for handling the fish
- Non-stick spray
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
- Check for any pin bones in the fish and remove them if necessary.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In the first shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
- In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Fish
- Dredge each fish fillet in the flour, ensuring it’s coated evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured fish into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Press the fish into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fillet for a crispier finish.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Fish
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the breaded fish fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Spray the tops of the fillets with a light coating of cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through for even browning. The fish is done when it’s golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Rest the Fish
- Once cooked, transfer the fish to a plate lined with paper towels. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the coating to set.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the crispy fish with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Pair it with air-fried chips, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Fish: Opt for firm, mild-flavored white fish fillets like cod, haddock, or tilapia for the best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure even cooking and crispiness, avoid overlapping the fish fillets in the air fryer.
- Add Extra Flavor: You can customize the breading with your favorite seasonings, like cayenne pepper for heat or dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat the fish in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore its crispiness.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
The air fryer is a game-changer for recipes like this Skippers Fish Air Fryer Recipe. It uses hot air circulation to achieve a crispy, golden crust without the need for deep frying. This method is healthier, faster, and less messy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional ovens since it uses less energy and heats up quickly.
Conclusion
This Skippers Fish Air Fryer Recipe is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and healthiness. With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside, it’s a meal that’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation. The air fryer not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures you get a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.