Garlic Butter Fish in Air Fryer

Equipment

• Air Fryer (3-quart or larger)
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 2 fillets (approx. 6 oz each): White fish (Cod, Tilapia, or Halibut) or Salmon. Ensure they are thawed and patted dry.
• 1 tbsp: Olive oil (for brushing the basket)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tbsp: Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 3 cloves: Garlic (minced finely)
• 1 tsp: Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp: Dried Parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
• 1/4 tsp: Paprika (optional, for color)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh Parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3-5 minutes. While the air fryer heats up, take your fish fillets and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step; if the fish is wet, the butter will slide off, and it won’t get that nice golden finish. Season both sides of the fish lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried parsley, and paprika (if using). Stir well until the garlic is evenly distributed. The mixture should smell intensely aromatic.

Step 3: Oil the Basket

1. Lightly brush the air fryer basket or rack with the olive oil. This prevents the fish from sticking. Alternatively, you can use a piece of parchment paper designed for air fryers, but ensure it is weighted down by the fish so it doesn’t fly up into the heating element.

Step 4: Arrange and Baste

1. Place the seasoned fish fillets into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping; if your air fryer is small, cook them in batches. Using a basting brush or a spoon, generously coat the top of each fillet with half of the garlic butter mixture. Reserve the other half for later.

Step 5: Air Fry (Intensity: Medium-High)

1. Set the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 8 to 10 minutes , depending on the thickness of your fish.
2. Time and Intensity Guide: Thin Fillets (1/2 inch thick): 7-8 minutes.
3. Thick Fillets (1 inch thick): 10-12 minutes.
4. Salmon: 9-10 minutes (cook slightly less for medium-rare).
5. Mid-way Check: At the 5-minute mark, open the basket and brush the remaining garlic butter over the fish. This ensures the garlic doesn’t burn and the fish stays moist.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

1. The fish is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) . Be careful not to overcook; air fryers are powerful, and fish dries out quickly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Use a spatula to carefully remove the fish from the basket. Plate it immediately and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley. Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal · Protein: 32g · Fat: 18g · Carbohydrates: 1g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 10g · Fiber: 0g · Sugar: 0g · Sodium: 350mg