Growing up, fried fish was a weekend tradition, but the deep fryer cleanup and greasy mess always made me hesitate to make it at home. That changed the day I tested my air fryer to recreate that same crispy, golden crust—without the gluten or oil splatter. After dozens of trials with different flours and coatings, I finally found the perfect blend that delivers restaurant-quality crunch in just 12 minutes. This Air Fryer Gluten-Free Fish Fry has become my go-to method for quick, delicious seafood nights. I’m Samia, and this is the recipe that transformed my fish fry game forever.
Why This Air Fryer Gluten-Free Fish Fry Recipe Works
The secret lies in combining gluten-free flour with fine cornmeal for the perfect crunch while keeping the inside moist and flaky. The air fryer’s high-speed heat circulation crisps the coating evenly using 80% less oil than deep frying. Lightly spraying the fish halfway through ensures a golden exterior that rivals traditional frying—without gluten, grease, or guilt.
Air Fryer Gluten-Free Fish Fry
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Oil spray bottle
Ingredients
1 lb white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or tilapia)
½ cup gluten-free flour
¼ cup fine cornmeal
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 large eggs (or ½ cup buttermilk)
Avocado or olive oil spray
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes if required.
Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.
In one bowl, whisk eggs (or pour buttermilk). In another, combine gluten-free flour, cornmeal, and all seasonings.
Dip each fillet in the egg wash, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange fish in a single layer.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Lightly spray with oil after flipping for an extra-crispy crust.
Check doneness: internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Serve immediately with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.
Notes
- Air fryer models vary—adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for best results.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes.
- For extra crunch, mix 1 tbsp of crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs into the coating.
- Serve immediately to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
Conclusion
This air fryer gluten-free fish fry delivers all the crispy, golden satisfaction of traditional frying with none of the mess. Ready in just 12 minutes, it’s the easiest way to enjoy perfectly flaky, restaurant-quality fish right at home.
