Dinner

Air-Fryer Fish & Chips with Crispy Batter and Golden Chips Recipe

Name: Air-Fryer Fish & Chips with Crispy Batter and Golden Chips Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 60g cornflour; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried mixed herbs; 2 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or basa); 4 tbsp vegetable oil (for dredging the fish); 3 medium potatoes (Desirée or Maris Piper); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for tossing the chips); Salt and pepper, to taste; Mushy peas; Tartar sauce

ByJake Silas November 5, 2025November 5, 2025

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Introduction

Enjoy a healthier twist on the classic British favorite with this air-fryer fish and chips recipe. Crispy, golden chips and perfectly cooked white fish fillets come together quickly and with less oil, making it a delicious and simple meal for any day of the week.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a meal with three main parts: a square piece of golden-brown fried fish at the front left, a pile of thick, crispy, browned fries stacked behind the fish, and a bright green scoop of mashed peas positioned at the front right. A fork rests on the left side of the plate on a light blue cloth napkin, and a knife is placed to the right of the plate. In the background, a second white plate with a similar meal is partially visible along with a clear glass of water with ice and a lime wedge next to a small white bowl of coarse salt. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

60g cornflour
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried mixed herbs
2 white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or basa)
3 medium potatoes (such as Desirée or Maris Piper)
6–8 tbsp vegetable oil
Mushy peas and tartar sauce, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the cornflour, smoked paprika, dried mixed herbs, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper on a large dinner plate. Coat each fish fillet thoroughly in this flour mixture. If you prefer to cook the fish on the hob, follow the tip below.
Step 2: Cut the potatoes into 1cm-thick chips, leaving the skin on or peeling them as you prefer.
Step 3: Place the chips in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the chips until they are well coated with oil and seasoning.
Step 4: Preheat the air-fryer to 200°C. Cook the chips for 18–22 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway through for even crispness. Keep them warm while cooking the fish.
Step 5: Spread 4 tbsp of vegetable oil on a large dinner plate and dredge the coated fish fillets in the oil to cover them evenly.
Step 6: Set the air-fryer to 200°C again and cook the fish for 8–10 minutes, turning carefully halfway through cooking. The cooking time depends on the size of the fillets.
Step 7: Serve the air-fried fish and chips hot, with mushy peas and tartar sauce if you like.

Tips & Variations

To cook the fish on the hob: Heat a frying pan with enough oil to coat the bottom and fry the coated fillets over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on kitchen paper before serving.
To cook chips in the oven: Boil the cut chips for 3 minutes, drain, then toss with 4 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 220°C (200°C fan/gas 7) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway until golden and crispy.
If freezing leftovers, defrost fully in the fridge before reheating in the oven until piping hot.

Storage

Store any leftover fish and chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chips soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows two white plates each with a golden-brown crispy fried fish fillet placed slightly off-center on the lower left. To the upper right of the fish, there is a pile of thick, golden-brown French fries with some darker edges, showing a crunchy texture. On the lower right side of each plate, there is a bright green mashed pea portion with a smooth but slightly chunky texture. A silver fork rests on the left side of the nearest plate, lying on a light blue cloth. To the upper left, there is a clear glass of water with ice cubes and a lime wedge, and a small white dish filled with coarse salt. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, white fish like cod, haddock, basa, or even pollock work well. Choose firm fillets that hold together during cooking.

Is it necessary to use cornflour for coating the fish?

Cornflour helps create a light, crispy coating while keeping the fish tender. You can substitute it with all-purpose flour if needed, but the texture may differ slightly.