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Air Fryer Beer Battered Fish

Air Fryer Beer Battered Fish - Quick Delicious Meals

Hey there, future culinary whiz! Today, I'm diving into a recipe that combines the crunch of beer batter with the convenience of an air fryer. Anyone who's ever longed for that pub-style crispy fish—minus the guilt of deep-frying—will want to pay attention.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I know how crucial it is to create dishes that are both satisfying and healthy. This recipe is a result of countless tweaks and experiments. 
It’s lighter than traditional frying yet maintains all the flavor you crave. Think of it as enjoying your favorite crispy fish without the oily aftermath or added fuss.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fish:
  • 12 ounces of your favorite beer I prefer a crisp wheat beer
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups plain all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 pound fresh cod, sliced into 4 fillets
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion granules
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
For Serving:
  • Warm corn or flour tortillas if making fish tacos
  • Pickled red onions for topping
  • Lemon wedges, for squeezing over
For the Zesty Tartar Sauce:
  • 3/4 cup creamy mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
  • 1/2 lemon Juice
  • 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
  • Pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
For the Fresh Slaw:
  • Kosher salt and cracked pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
  1. Start by organizing your ingredients. Set your air fryer to 400°F.
Step 2: Make the Batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, and sea salt. Mix it well. Slowly add the beer while whisking to prevent lumps. You want the batter to be thick but pourable.
Step 3: Coat the Fish
  1. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Dip each fillet into the batter, ensuring an even coating.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
  1. Spray the air fryer basket with oil so that your fish won’t stick. This is particularly important since we are aiming for crispy goodness.
Step 5: Air Fry the Fish
  1. Place your battered fish fillets in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
  1. The fish should be golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 7: Prepare the Tartar Sauce and Slaw
  1. While the fish cooks, mix your tartar sauce ingredients in a bowl. For the slaw, combine the cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Once the fish is out of the air fryer, serve it on warm tortillas with slaw, tartar sauce, and any other toppings you desire.

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Fish: Always opt for the freshest catch possible; it makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with Beers: Different beers will give unique tastes. Try a fruity beer for a playful twist.
  • Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the paprika and black pepper to suit your heat preference.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the fish breathing room so it crisps up nicely.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: This ensures that the fish cooks evenly from the start.