Trout in air fryer no breading

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Air fryer whole fish is a great alternative to deep frying. It’s also healthier and easier to make, plus it gives the fish a delicious golden crust! This recipe for cooking a whole fish in the air fryer is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and simple dish that will impress their dinner guests.

Trout in air fryer no breading

Air Fryer Whole Fish

With summer coming full speed ahead, my family and I have been on a huge seafood kick! It’s truly the perfect time to feast on all things seafood, especially fish.

Nothing beats eating the fresh catch of the day!

I normally like to visit the seafood market and pick up a few fillets of fish and have them on hand to cook in different dishes.

For example:

  • I’ll buy a few fillets of salmon and bake them in the oven with everything but the bagel seasoning.
  • Or, I’ll buy some fresh chopped catfish to make fried catfish nuggets!

Trout in air fryer no breading

On my last visit, I picked up a few whole branzinos and decide to try and make them in the air fryer. They turned out amazing!

If you have been looking for a whole fish air fryer recipe, then this post is for you! Today, I’ll be showing you how to air fry the perfect whole fish in your own kitchen.

I know cooking a whole fish can seem intimidating, but it actually only takes about 30 minutes and does not require any oil or butter!

Trout in air fryer no breading

All you need to make this recipe is:

  • 2 whole branzino fillets
  • Salt and pepper

That’s it!

Trout in air fryer no breading

Don’t have an air fryer? That’s okay! Try cooking the whole fish in the Instant Pot. You can also bake the whole branzino fish in the oven!

Trout in air fryer no breading

How To Cook A Whole Fish In The Air Fryer

Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray.

Season the whole fish with salt and pepper (or whatever seasoning you like- I recommend old bay!) all over and also inside the fish cavity.

Place the whole fish in the air fryer.

Cook the whole fish as is in the air fryer at 400F for 25 minutes (or until the internal temperature of the fish is at least 145F).

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Trout in air fryer no breading

Cooking Tips:

  • This recipe only makes 2 whole fish at a time.
  • If you are not a fan of branzino, consider swapping it out for red snapper or rainbow trout.

Trout in air fryer no breading

What To Serve With Air Fried Branzino

This cooked branzino pairs perfectly with some cilantro lime rice and roasted asparagus (maybe even wrapped up in bacon)!

If you need to make a really elevated dinner, consider making this recipe for easy Spanish paella in just 30 minutes. It’s packed full of shrimp, chorizo, and chicken – not to mention, garlicky saffron with a hint of red crushed peppers. So yum!

Trout in air fryer no breading

More Seafood Recipes

If you loved this recipe for air ‘fried’ whole fish, check out some of my other seafood recipes!

These are some other recipes I love to make:

  • Air Fryer Seafood Medley
  • Oven-Baked Rainbow Trout Fillets
  • Baked Shrimp With Garlic And Parmesan
  • Instant Pot Octopus
  • Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
  • Baked Blackened Tilapia

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Air Fryer Whole Fish

This air fryer whole fish is amazing! Put put whole fish in the air fryer and it will cook it to perfection! Air fried whole fish has crispy skin and juicy inside - so delicious! Once you try cooking whole fish in the air fryer, you'll never make it any other way!

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer whole fish

Cooking Method: Air Fryer

Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto / Low-Carb, Paleo

Servings: 2

Calories: 435kcal

  • 2 lbs whole fish I used branzino
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray.

  • Season the whole fish with salt and pepper all over and also inside the fish cavity.

  • Put whole fish in the air fryer in a single layer.

  • Cook whole fish in the air fryer at 400F for 25 minutes (or until internal temperature of the fish is at least 145F).

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Calories: 435kcal | Protein: 91g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 227mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 1370mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 3mg

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See also:

  • Air Fryer Broccoli
  • Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Quesadillas

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How long does fish take in the air fryer?

Air Fry: Cook on the air fry setting for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway through, or until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork. Spray breaded fish with more oil spray as needed. Serve: Remove the fish carefully and serve with a lemon wedge and tartar sauce for dipping, enjoy!

Can you cook raw fish in an air fryer?

You can fry frozen or fresh seafood in an air fryer that tastes like it's straight from your favorite seafood restaurant's kitchen. You don't have to worry about getting minor burns from hot oil splashes or added calories from cooking it in fat.

How do you use an air fryer for fish?

Directions.
Step 1Pat fish dry and season on both sides with salt and pepper..
Step 2Place flour, egg, and panko in three shallow bowls. ... .
Step 3Working in batches, place fish in basket of air fryer and cook at 400° for 10 to 12 minutes, gently flipping halfway through, or until fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork..

How do you keep fish moist in air fryer?

Make sure that your air fryer basket is not overcrowded as that will prevent the fish from crisping. You might need to adjust the cooking times depending on the kind and the thickness of the fish that you're using and the model of your air fryer. Fish is ready when it's easily flaked with a fork.