Air Fryer Crispy Fish Fillet Bites

Golden, crunchy, and perfectly flaky — a quick seafood favorite made healthier in the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, pollock, or catfish), cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Crispy Coating

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish
   • Pat fish pieces dry with paper towels.
   • Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Set Up Coating Station
   • Place flour in one bowl.
   • Place beaten egg in a second bowl.
   • Mix panko breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs in a third bowl.
3. Coat the Fish
   • Dip each fish piece into flour.
   • Coat with egg.
   • Press into the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully covered.
4. Air Fry
   • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
   • Spray the basket lightly with oil.
   • Arrange fish bites in a single layer.
   • Lightly spray the tops with oil.
   • Air fry for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Dipping Sauce Options

Tartar Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped pickles
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

Garlic Lemon Sauce

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Air fryer fries or potato wedges
• Coleslaw
• Rice and vegetables
• Lemon wedges