Ingredients
Scale
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1½ tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 skinless, boneless white fish fillets (6-8oz each)
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-4 minutes. This ensures that the fish will cook evenly and gives it that crispy texture we all love.
- Mix the Spice Rub: While the air fryer is heating up, combine the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, sea salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add the avocado oil (or olive oil) to the spice mix and stir well to create a smooth, evenly combined rub.
- Prepare the Fish Fillets: Take the fish fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel on both sides. This helps remove excess moisture, which can prevent the fish from getting crispy.
- Apply the Seasoning: Rub the spice and oil mixture evenly over both sides of the fish fillets. Make sure to coat them generously so that the flavors are well-distributed. The oil helps the spices stick to the fish and also ensures a nice crisp on the exterior once it’s cooked.
- Place Fish in the Air Fryer: Once the fillets are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket; if your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the fillets in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
- Air Fry the Fish: Set the air fryer to cook at 380°F (193°C) for 8-10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. Start checking the fish at the 6-minute mark, then continue checking at 2-minute intervals. You’ll know the fish is ready when it easily flakes with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a burst of brightness. The lemon enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
Notes
- Check Your Fish Early: Fish cooks quickly, so it’s important to start checking the fillets around the 6-minute mark. If the fillets are particularly thin, they might cook faster, and you don’t want them to overcook and become dry.
- Use a Fork to Test for Flakiness: To check if your fish is cooked through, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If it easily flakes apart, it’s ready! If it resists, it needs a little more time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest result, it’s essential that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded. If necessary, cook the fillets in batches. This allows the hot air to circulate properly around the fish.
- Substituting Ingredients: If you don’t have avocado oil, olive oil is a great alternative. Both oils work well for air frying and will help the fish cook evenly. As for the seasonings, feel free to get creative and use what you have on hand, like chili powder for a little heat or fresh herbs like parsley for a more fragrant finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes