If you’re craving a simple, yet incredibly flavorful seafood dish, you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Cajun Fish Fillets Recipe. It combines a crispy, golden crust with tender, flaky fish inside, all seasoned with a punchy Cajun blend that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that perfect crunch without the extra oil, making it a healthier and quicker meal option. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner hero or hosting casual friends, this recipe is destined to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward yet wonderfully balanced, using ingredients that bring flavor, texture, and a touch of zest. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy tang of mayonnaise that helps the coating stick, to the Cajun seasoning that delivers that signature bold kick.
- White fish fillets (1 ½ pounds): Choose a mild, flaky fish like cod or haddock, ideally about ¼- to ½-inch thick for even cooking.
- Cornmeal (½ cup, medium grind): Adds a crunchy, golden coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps bind the seasoning and coating together; gluten-free flour works well too.
- Cajun seasoning (2 teaspoons): Brings that smoky, spicy depth that defines the dish.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers warmth and a subtle sweetness enhancing the coating’s color.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Delivers aromatic flavor without overpowering the fish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon or to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat layer to the spice profile.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creates a velvety base helping the coating stick while keeping the fish moist.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Offers bright acidity that cuts through richness and lifts the flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Cajun Fish Fillets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the fish
Start by combining the mayonnaise and lemon juice in a large bowl, whisking until smooth. This mixture is not only the secret to the coating’s adhesion but also infuses a lovely tang into the fish. Toss your white fish fillets gently in this dressing, ensuring each piece is fully coated. This step sets the stage for that crisp, flavorful crust we are aiming to achieve.
Step 2: Mix the coating
In a shallow bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This vibrant blend is where the magic happens—it adds color, spice, and crunch. When you dip each fish fillet into this mixture, make sure it’s thoroughly coated on all sides for maximum crispiness and taste.
Step 3: Air fry the fillets
Arrange the coated fish fillets in a single layer inside your 6-quart air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400 °F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through at the 5-minute mark. The fish should come out flakey, tender, and coated with a gorgeous golden crust. Keep an eye on the cooking time as thickness can vary slightly.
Step 4: Final touch and serve
Once cooked, remove the fillets carefully and get ready to enjoy. The crunchy Cajun-coated exterior paired with the juicy, moist fish inside makes each bite irresistible. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cajun Fish Fillets Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make the dish pop! A handful of chopped parsley or cilantro adds color and herbaceous brightness. Don’t forget a few lemon wedges on the side—squeezing fresh lemon juice over the fillets just before eating elevates the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs perfectly with classic sides like crispy air-fried fries for a delightful fish-and-chips vibe, or a fresh green salad to keep things light and vibrant. You can also serve it alongside creamy coleslaw for contrast in textures or fluffy rice to soak up any extra sauce you like to add.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by placing the fillets on a bed of your favorite grain, such as quinoa or couscous, adorned with roasted vegetables. Another fun option is to create a fish taco by wrapping the fillets in warm tortillas with avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or remoulade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coating may lose some crispness, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked fillets by wrapping them individually with plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain best quality for up to 1 month. Just be aware that the crust might soften a bit upon thawing.
Reheating
To restore some crispiness, reheat the fillets in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy. This method gently warms the fish while reviving that wonderful crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white fish like cod or haddock work best for their mild flavor and flaky texture, you can also use tilapia, catfish, or even salmon if you prefer a richer taste. Just keep the thickness consistent for even cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?
Yes, you can bake the coated fish fillets in a preheated oven at 425 °F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crisp as air-fried, but still wonderfully tasty.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate spice level that can be adjusted. Feel free to reduce the amount or substitute with milder seasoning if you prefer less heat.
Can I make the coating gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend and ensure your Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten. The cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, so the texture will remain nicely crunchy.
What dipping sauces go well with Air Fryer Cajun Fish Fillets Recipe?
Tartar sauce, remoulade, or a tangy secret sauce made with mayo and lemon juice are classic picks. You can also try spicy aioli, ranch, or even a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip to complement the bold Cajun flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Cajun Fish Fillets Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and effortless. The crispy, flavorful coating paired with wholesome flaky fish is a match made in culinary heaven. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Grab your air fryer and dive in—delicious comfort food awaits!
Print
Air Fryer Cajun Fish Fillets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and flavorful air fryer fish recipe that delivers crispy, perfectly cooked white fish fillets with a zesty Cajun seasoning. Coated in a crispy cornmeal and flour mixture and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, this dish serves 6 and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Fish Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds white fish fillets (about ¼- to ½-inch thick)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Coating Mix
- ½ cup cornmeal (medium grind)
- ½ cup all purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 flour)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Dredge the Fish: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice until well combined. Add the white fish fillets to the mixture and toss gently to ensure each piece is fully coated with the mayonnaise-lemon mixture.
- Coat the Fish: In a separate medium shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dip each mayonnaise-coated fish filet into the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides evenly.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place the coated fish filets in a single layer inside the basket of a 6-quart air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400 °F and cook for 8-10 minutes total, flipping the filets over halfway through the cooking time (around 5 minutes). The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a crisp, golden exterior.
- Serve: Remove the fish from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of tartar sauce, remoulade, or any favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and Cajun seasoning for preferred spice level.
- A 6-quart air fryer is ideal for cooking multiple filets in a single batch without overcrowding for even crisping.
- Flip the fish halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are crispy and evenly cooked.
- Use thicker fillets for juicier results but monitor cooking time accordingly.
