Here’s a perfect Air Fryer Whole Crispy Fish recipe—golden, flaky, deeply seasoned, and crackling crisp without deep-frying. Works for snapper, tilapia, branzino, pompano, or trout.
🐟 Air Fryer Whole Crispy Fish
Serves: 2–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–22 minutes (depending on size)
🧂 Ingredients
Fish
- 1 whole fish (1½–2 lbs), cleaned & scaled
- 1–2 tbsp oil (avocado, olive, or vegetable)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Optional: ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne
Optional Seasoning Stuffing
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or thyme)
- 2–3 smashed garlic cloves
Optional Crispy Finish
- 1–2 tsp cornstarch (helps create a crackling crust)
🔥 Instructions
1. Prep the Fish
- Pat the fish VERY dry—crispy skin depends on this.
- Score the skin 2–3 times on each side (diagonal cuts help it cook evenly).
- Rub fish with oil inside and out.
- Mix seasoning and sprinkle generously over the fish, pressing into the cuts.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon, garlic, and herbs if using.
2. Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Spray basket lightly with oil or use a sheet of parchment made for air fryers.
- Place fish in basket without crowding.
- Cook 15–22 minutes, depending on thickness:
- Small branzino or tilapia: 15–18 min
- Larger snapper: 18–22 min
Do NOT flip—skin crisps beautifully without it.
Fish is done when:
- Skin is browned & crisp
- Internal temp hits 145°F
- Flesh flakes easily with a fork
3. Extra-Crispy Tip
For ultra crispy skin:
- Lightly dust the fish with cornstarch before adding oil.
- Air fry 1–2 minutes longer.
🍋 Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Lemon wedges
- Garlic butter
- Fresh herbs
- Chili crisp
- Mango salsa
- Rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple salad
⭐ Flavor Variations
Asian-Style
- Rub with soy sauce + grated ginger + garlic + sesame oil
- Serve with lime & cilantro
Cajun Crispy Fish
- Coat with Cajun seasoning + paprika
- Serve with remoulade
Mediterranean
- Season with oregano, garlic, lemon zest
- Serve with tzatziki
Jamaican
- Use jerk seasoning + a drizzle of lime
If you want, I can also give you:
✅ A spicy version
✅ A garlic butter stuffed version
✅ A Caribbean whole snapper
Just tell me which style you want!
