Name: Air Fryer Haddock
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 haddock fillets (approximately 6 oz each, skinless); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; Lemon wedges (for serving)

Golden, crispy, and downright addictive—this Air Fryer Haddock is flaky on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and ready in minutes. No deep fryer required!

Let me tell you something: I used to avoid cooking fish at home. Not because I didn’t love it—because I do—but because frying it was a nightmare. Ever had your whole kitchen smell like a fish market for three days? Yep. Been there.

But then, one random Tuesday night, I found myself staring at some haddock fillets in my fridge. It was one of those “use it or lose it” moments. I had zero interest in dealing with oil splatters, so I threw the fillets in my air fryer, tossed some seasonings on top, and hoped for the best.

When I tell you this fish came out flaky, crispy, and so stupidly easy, I mean it. Like, why was I not making haddock this way all along?! Now, it’s a go-to in my kitchen, and honestly? Once you try it, you’ll never go back to frying.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Haddock Recipe?

No oil splatters, no lingering fish smell – Your kitchen (and your sanity) will thank you.
Crispy perfection without deep frying – The air fryer does all the work.
Super quick and easy – Less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Works with fresh or frozen haddock – Because let’s be honest, we all forget to thaw things.

Ingredient Notes:

You ever follow a recipe and wonder why certain ingredients are in there? Let’s break it down.

Haddock Fillets – The star of the show! Mild, flaky, and perfect for air frying. Works great fresh or frozen.
Olive Oil – Helps the seasonings stick and keeps the fish from drying out. Also, makes you feel fancy.
Garlic Powder – Because obviously garlic makes everything better.
Smoked Paprika – Adds a little smoky depth and gorgeous color. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Italian Seasoning – Brings a little herby magic to the mix.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Basic but essential. Without them? Bland city.
Parmesan Cheese – The secret MVP. It crisps up in the air fryer and adds a salty, umami kick.
Lemon Wedges – Brightens up everything. A squeeze of lemon right before serving? Chef’s kiss.

Pro Tip: Want extra crunch? Mix a teaspoon of panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan. Just do it. You’ll thank me later.

How To Make Air Fryer Haddock?

You do not need to be a pro chef to nail this. If you can press a button and sprinkle seasonings, you’ve got this.

1. Prep Your Haddock

First things first—pat those fillets dry. I know, I know, it’s annoying, but skipping this step means soggy fish. And that’s just sad.
Drizzle both sides with olive oil, because crispy fish needs a little moisture to work with.

2. Season Like You Mean It

Mix together garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan in a bowl. Then, coat the fillets generously. Don’t be shy—flavor is our friend.

3. Let the Air Fryer Work Its Magic

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. If you’re impatient (like me), use that time to clean up or scroll through Instagram.
Lay the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket—no stacking! Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them golden brown and flaky.

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4. Serve and Try Not to Eat It All at Once

Take those crispy beauties out, let them rest for a minute (if you can wait), then squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy every bite.

Storage Options:

If you actually have leftovers (rare in my house), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the air fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, and boom—crispy again.

Avoid the microwave unless you enjoy sad, rubbery fish.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to switch things up? Try these:

Different fish? This works just as well with cod, tilapia, or even salmon.
Spicy version? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Gluten-free? Ditch the Parmesan or swap it for nutritional yeast.
Extra crunch? Add some panko breadcrumbs to the mix.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Haddock?

You need something to round out the meal, right? Here are my favorite pairings:

Steamed or roasted veggies – Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans = perfection.
Rice or quinoa – Light and fluffy, the perfect balance for crispy fish.
French fries or sweet potato fries – Classic fish-and-chips vibes.
Tartar sauce or garlic aioli – Because dipping sauce makes everything better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook frozen haddock in the air fryer?
Yep! No need to thaw—just add 2-4 extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when my haddock is done?
It should be golden brown and flake easily with a fork. Still unsure? Use a thermometer—145°F (63°C) is the magic number.

Can I use breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture?
Absolutely! Mix panko with Parmesan for an even crispier coating.

If you’ve been avoiding cooking fish because you think it’s too messy or complicated, this recipe is for you. It’s crispy, flavorful, ridiculously easy, and done in under 20 minutes. The air fryer takes all the guesswork out, and honestly? You might never go back to pan-frying.

So, what do you think? Are you trying this tonight? Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment and let’s talk crispy fish!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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