Air fryer haddock is a healthier version of classic fried fish. It boasts a crispy, seasoned coating on the outside and perfectly cooked, flaky haddock on the inside, and there's no greasy mess!
We love haddock because it has a mild flavor and firm texture, making it perfect for all kinds of dishes. I've always loved fried haddock, and making it in the air fryer allows me to enjoy that flavor and texture without all the grease and fat!
This was inspired by my air fryer coconut shrimp recipe on this site and pairs well with this list of our favorite what to serve with cod side dishes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The air fryer makes cooking haddock a quick and easy process, requiring minimal effort for perfectly cooked fish.
- Air frying haddock gives it a wonderfully crispy exterior.
- The recipe is easily customizable by adding your favorite spices or spice blends.
- The mild flavor of haddock makes this recipe a hit with kids and adults alike, making this an easy weeknight dinner for the entire family.
Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients and a handful of spices to make this delicious recipe. You'll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store. Don't forget to check the recipe card at the end of the post for exact amounts.
- Haddock Fillets - Use cod, flounder, halibut, salmon, catfish, pollock, tilapia, walleye, and bass work well in the air fryer, making for tender, flaky dishes.
- Panko Breadcrumbs - Use for a crispy result or use almond flour or breadcrumbs instead.
- Parmesan Cheese
- Dried Parsley, Dill, Garlic Powder, and Paprika - Instead experiment with different seasoning blends like lemon pepper, Cajun spice, Italian herbs, or create your own mix based on your personal taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper - To enhance flavor.
- Olive Oil - Your favorite vegetable oil will work in a pinch.
- Mayo - Perfect to add moisture and allow coating to stick.
- Lemon Wedges - For serving, if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this air fryer haddock recipe.
- Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, diced jalapeno pepper, our jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the crumb mixture for a bit of heat. You can also serve up our homemade hot pepper sauce on the table as well.
- Marinate Fillets: Consider marinating the fillets in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Add Stuffing: To prepare stuffed haddock in an air fryer, first, prepare the stuffing of your choice. Common stuffings include crabmeat, spinach, and cheese. Lay your haddock fillets flat, place a generous amount of stuffing on top of each fillet, and carefully roll them up. Use toothpicks to secure the roll if necessary. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the stuffed haddock for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and the stuffing is heated through.
- Skip Breading: Try air frying haddock without breading, covering fish with oil and a spice blend instead.
Instructions
Using an air fryer to cook haddock is a healthier and convenient way to enjoy your fish. The process is simple and only takes a few steps. The highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.
1: Combine the breading ingredients in a bowl,
2: Brush the fish with mayonnaise and coat in the panko mixture.
3: Air fry until crispy and easily flaked with a fork.
Hint: To ensure that your haddock is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature is 145°F, and that the meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our smoked whitefish.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an air-tight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Coat the haddock in mayo and panko and store in a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, for up to 3 months. You can cook the frozen haddock directly from the freezer, following your air fryer's frozen food instructions.
Reheat: Cook at 320 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Haddock
When it comes to this air fryer haddock, you have several serving options.
- Lemon wedges, Kraft tartar sauce copycat recipe, our 3 ingredient tartar sauce recipe, grandma's coleslaw, jalapeno coleslaw, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- A simple steamed or easy coconut ginger rice.
- Broiled asparagus, easy roasted carrots, potatoes and onions, vegetable medley casserole, or even air fried garlic potatoes
- Salad is an excellent way to balance the flavors of your haddock. Some popular choices include Greek rice salad, Greek pasta salad or an old fashioned cucumber and onion in vinegar salad.
- Potatoes are also great to serve with haddock. Check out our supreme mashed potato casserole, or candied sweet potato casserole.
- Quick and easy balsamic green beans, sweet and sour green beans and corn or air fryer frozen brussel sprouts are always a hit.
Tips
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket so air circulates around each fillet.
- If you're using fresh or frozen haddock, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before seasoning to help seasoning and crumb mixture stick evenly.
- To ensure that your haddock is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. A safe temperature for cooked haddock is 145°F, and the meat should appear opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time as cooking time will vary depending on the size of your fillets.
- Always place your haddock fillets with the skin side down in the air fryer if there's skin on your fillets to crisp it up.
FAQ
Do you have questions about air fryer haddock? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this air-fried haddock recipe.
Yes, you can cook smoked haddock in an air fryer. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook the smoked haddock at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Typically, breaded haddock should be cooked in an air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F. However, it's essential to keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking. Exact cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your haddock fillets and the model of your air fryer.
The ideal temperature for air frying haddock is 400°F. This temperature will ensure that the haddock cooks evenly and achieves a crispy crust while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
When cooking frozen haddock fillets in an air fryer, it's essential to preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This will ensure that the fish cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy. Use a light coating of cooking oil or spray on the fillets to help achieve a crispy texture. Cook the fillets for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model.
Video
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Do you like fish? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Air Fryer Haddock
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 haddock fillets
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise depending on how large your fillets are
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F . Meanwhile, pat the haddock fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, dill, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Lightly brush each fillet with mayonnaise, making sure to coat both sides. This will act as a binding agent for the breadcrumb mixture. Next, dip the mayonnaise-coated cod into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs adhere to the fish.
- Drizzle with Oil or Butter: Place the coated fillets on a plate or tray and lightly drizzle with olive oil or brush with melted butter. This will help in achieving a crispy golden crust.
- Carefully place the haddock fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't touching or overlapping. Cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the coating is golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so check the fish at 10 minutes.
- Once done, carefully remove the haddock fillets from the air fryer and place them on serving plates. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket so air circulates around each fillet.
- If you're using fresh or frozen haddock, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before seasoning to help seasoning and crumb mixture stick evenly.
- To ensure that your haddock is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. A safe temperature for cooked haddock is 145°F, and the meat should appear opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time as cooking time will vary depending on the size of your fillets.
- Always place your haddock fillets with the skin side down in the air fryer if there's skin on your fillets to crisp it up.
Jay
Super easy. Super delicious. This one is definitely a keeper. Thx for sharing. Made this a few times now for dinner and lunch in sandwiches too. All good.
Karin and Ken
We love the sandwiches too. This easy recipe is delicious! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin
Cherry
Love this easy recipe. The kids loved the fish too which was a relief my eaters are picky! Thx for another recipe for my arsenal. You’re doing great Karin. Keep it up!
Karin and Ken
Thank you for your kind words! I’m grateful I try my best. So glad your kids enjoy this easy recipe. My grand kids do too! It’s a nice piece of crispy fish! Take care and enjoy your day. Karin