Craving crispy, golden fish and chips without the extra oil, splatter, or mess of deep frying? This Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe delivers everything you love about the classic comfort-food favorite—crispy battered fish, crunchy homemade fries, and tender flaky fish—all made right in your air fryer.
It’s lighter, easier, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
One bite of that crispy coating and fluffy potato center, and you may never go back to takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Fish and Chips
This recipe has all the flavor of your favorite pub-style fish and chips—with a healthier twist.
- Crispy without deep frying
- Less oil, less mess
- Ready in about an hour
- Whole meal made in one appliance
- Perfectly flaky fish every time
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
Best of all, cleanup is incredibly easy.
Why the Air Fryer Works So Well
Air fryers create that crispy golden exterior using circulating hot air instead of heavy oil.
That means:
- crunchy fries
- crispy breaded fish
- tender, juicy interior
- fewer calories
You still get that classic fish-and-chips experience—just lighter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chips
- 2 russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
For the Fish
- 1½ pounds cod fillets (or other white fish)
- 1 cup dry pancake mix
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Best Fish for Air Fryer Fish and Chips
White fish works best because it’s mild, flaky, and cooks beautifully.
Great options include:
- cod
- halibut
- haddock
- pollock
- tilapia
Fresh or frozen both work—just thaw completely first.
How to Make Air Fryer Fish and Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes well.
Cut them into ¼-inch fries.
Place the fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes.
This removes excess starch and helps them crisp beautifully.
Drain and pat completely dry.
Why soaking matters:
It helps create:
- crispy exterior
- fluffy center
- restaurant-style fries
Step 2: Season the Fries
Toss the dried fries with:
- olive oil
- seasoned salt
Make sure every fry is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Fries
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
Place fries in the basket in a single layer.
Cook for:
- 10 minutes
Shake the basket.
Continue cooking:
- 6–8 minutes
until golden and crispy.
Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Fish Coating
Set up three shallow bowls.
Bowl 1
Pancake mix.
Bowl 2
Whisk together:
- buttermilk
- egg
Bowl 3
Mix:
- panko breadcrumbs
- seasoned salt
- Old Bay
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
Step 5: Bread the Fish
Pat the fish completely dry.
Dip each fillet:
First
Into egg mixture.
Second
Into pancake mix.
Third
Back into egg mixture.
Fourth
Into seasoned breadcrumbs.
Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Spray generously with cooking spray.
Step 6: Air Fry the Fish
Place breaded fish in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 390°F for 12 minutes.
The fish is done when:
- golden brown
- flaky inside
- internal temperature reaches 145°F
Do not overcook.
Step 7: Reheat the Fries
Add the fries back to the air fryer.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until hot and crispy.
Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fish and Chips
Pat the Fish Dry
Moisture prevents crisping.
Dry fish = crispy coating.
Don’t Overcrowd
Cook in batches if needed.
Air needs room to circulate.
Spray Generously
Cooking spray helps create that golden finish.
Use Similar Sized Pieces
Uniform fish pieces cook evenly.
Easy Variations
Want to change it up?
Try Different Seasonings
Use:
- Cajun seasoning
- lemon pepper
- garlic herb
- ranch seasoning
- taco seasoning
Swap the Potatoes
Try:
- sweet potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- frozen steak fries
What to Serve with Fish and Chips
This recipe pairs beautifully with:
- tartar sauce
- malt vinegar
- lemon wedges
- coleslaw
- corn on the cob
- cucumber salad
- peas
- garlic aioli
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness:
Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Avoid microwaving—it softens the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, but thaw completely before breading.
Can I skip pancake mix?
Yes, flour works too, but pancake mix gives extra crispness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe gives you everything you love about the classic comfort-food favorite—crispy golden fish, crunchy homemade fries, and flaky tender fish—all with less oil and less cleanup.
Perfect for family dinners, weekend comfort food, or satisfying your fish-and-chips cravings anytime.
Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.