My easy Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe takes flaky fish and fresh-cut fries and turns them into a seriously crave-worthy meal. I’ve fine-tuned every ingredient and simplified the steps to give you the kind of crispy coating and golden fries you expect from deep frying, without the messy oil. It’s everything you love about the classic, made easier and way more practical for busy weeknight dinners.

Plate of breaded fried chicken pieces with parsley garnish, accompanied by fries and a small bowl of creamy sauce. Bowl of carrots and yellow peppers in the background.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips Recipe

There’s just something about tender, crispy, and golden-brown fish and chips that hits the spot and this air fryer version is the one I keep coming back to. My family loves traditional fish and chips, but let’s be honest, deep frying makes such a mess in the kitchen. With this air fryer version, I tested and retested it to make sure it gives you that same golden, crispy coating and tender, flaky fish every single time, with way less oil and a lot less to clean up later.

The seasoned flour mixture, an easy dredging station, and the exact cooking time, I’ve dialed it all in so it just works. And those fries? Cut fresh from whole russet potatoes and tossed with just a little olive oil, they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer basket. They’re the kind of fries that make you sneak one before dinner even hits the table.

What Sets Our Recipe Apart

Perfectly crisp every time – Carefully seasoned flour and crispy panko breadcrumbs ensure a superior, crunchy coating without heating up a pot of oil.
Less oil, more flavor – Using an air fryer gives the delicious flavor and crispy texture you love, with far less mess than traditional deep frying.
Easy cleanup and prep: The simple dredging process and cooking method mean minimal cleanup, making this an easy weeknight dinner for busy moms.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Fish and Chips

Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Fish and Chips dish including 1 pound thawed Cod Fillets (about 1-inch thick, cut into strips) , 1/2 cup all-purpose Flour, 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika (or non-smoked), 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon dried Onion Flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon Baking Powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground Pepper , 1/2 teaspoon coarse Salt, 1 large Egg, beaten, 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs, Cooking Spray, 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley to garnish (optional), Lemon wedges to squeeze Lemon Juice (optional), and Tartar Sauce or favorite dipping sauce for serving on a white surface. For fries the ingredients are 3 large Russet Potatoes , 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, and Sea Salt to taste.

For the Fish:

Thawed cod fillets (about 1-inch thick, cut into strips) – Flaky white fish that cooks up perfectly in the air fryer.
All-purpose flour – The base for the seasoned flour mixture that helps the coating stick.
Seasoning (smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried onion flakes, black pepper, coarse salt) – Adds flavor to every bite of fish.
Baking powder – Helps the coating puff slightly for a light, crispy texture.
Egg, beaten – Used in the egg mixture to bind the flour and breadcrumbs to the fish.
Panko breadcrumbs – Light, airy crumbs that create the best crispy coating.
Cooking spray or oil spray – Helps the fish crisp up evenly in the air fryer basket.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional) – A bright, fresh garnish.
Lemon wedges (optional) – Squeeze over the fish for a little citrusy pop.
Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce – Perfect for serving with crispy fish fillets.

For the Fries:

Large russet potatoes – The best kind of potato for homemade fries with a fluffy interior.
Olive oil – Helps crisp the fries with very little oil.
Sea salt, to taste – Simple seasoning that brings everything together.

How to Make Fish in Chips in the Air Fryer

Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.

A hand coating food with breadcrumbs beside an air fryer basket on a white wooden surface. Prepared pieces and a striped cloth are nearby for Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe

Next step in preparing Air Fryer Fish and Chips is to spray oil on breaded fish sticks in an air fryer basket on a light wooden surface.

Pat the cod fillets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion flakes, baking powder, pepper, and salt.
Coat the cod fillets in the flour mixture, pressing lightly. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb the seasoning while you preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Set up a dredging station with the beaten egg in one shallow bowl and panko breadcrumbs in another.
Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or oil.
Dip each floured cod strip into the egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick.
Spray both sides of the breaded fish with cooking spray and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip, then cook for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.

Make the Fries “Chips”

Hand arranging raw potato sticks in a glass bowl on a wooden surface, with a small bowl of salt nearby and a checkered cloth in the background for Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe

Hand drying cut potato strips with a paper towel on a cutting board for Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe

While the cod is cooking, slice the potatoes lengthwise into fries using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Place fries in a large bowl of cold water with some salt as you cut them. This removes excess starch and keeps them from browning.
Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Toss the fries in olive oil and salt to taste in a large bowl.
Spread fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until fries are golden and crisp.
Serve your crispy cod and fries hot with tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dip. Add a squeeze of lemon and enjoy your air fryer spin on this classic comfort food!

Plate of breaded fish fillets, French fries, and lemon wedges around a bowl of tartar sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, on a white wooden table with a checkered cloth.

For best results, always preheat your air fryer basket to achieve the optimal crispy fish.
Always cook the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket to prevent steaming.
Test internal temperature with a thermometer; it should reach about 145 degrees F.
Shake fries halfway through cooking time for evenly crispy fries.
To avoid overcrowding, cook in batches if necessary.
Choose flaky white fish like cod or haddock for the best taste and texture.

Suggestions and Alternatives

Seasoning – Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning into your flour mixture for a delicious twist.
Potatoes – Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for air fryer sweet potato fries.
Sauce – Create homemade tartar sauce by combining mayo, pickle relish, and lemon juice.
Peas – Serve with classic British-style mushy peas for an authentic experience.
Vinegar – Mix malt vinegar into your dipping sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Seasoned fries – Add parmesan and garlic powder to fries for gourmet steak fries.
Spices – Spice up your panko breadcrumbs with a dash of cayenne pepper for heat lovers.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftover fish and fries separately in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: I do not recommend freezing the cooked fish. It does not maintain a flaky texture when thawed and reheated.
Reheat: Place leftovers from the fridge into the air fryer basket at 350 degrees F for about 4–5 minutes or until warmed through.