Dinner

Crispy Cajun Air Fryer Fish Recipe

Bylilan Sage January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Introduction

This air fryer fish recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful crust without the need for deep frying. Perfectly seasoned and quick to make, it’s a healthy way to enjoy classic fried fish at home.

The image shows a white plate stacked with several pieces of golden brown fried fish with a crunchy, textured crust sprinkled with small green herb flakes. On top of the pile is a piece broken in half, revealing soft, white flaky fish inside. A wedge of bright yellow lemon rests on the fish, adding a pop of color. To the left of the plate, a white ramekin filled with creamy white dipping sauce speckled with herbs is partially visible. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth and whole lemon blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds white fish fillets (about ¼- to ½-inch thick)
½ cup cornmeal (medium grind)
½ cup all purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1)
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Add mayonnaise and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk until combined. Place the fish fillets into the mixture and toss until completely covered.
Step 2: In a medium-sized shallow bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dip each fillet into the cornmeal mixture and coat all sides thoroughly.
Step 3: Arrange the coated fish fillets in a single layer in a 6-quart air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fillets after 5 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Serve the air fryer fish hot with tartar sauce, remoulade, or your favorite secret sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated fillets with cooking spray before air frying.
Try swapping Cajun seasoning for Old Bay or your preferred seafood spice blend for different flavor profiles.
Use gluten-free flour and cornmeal to make this recipe fully gluten-free.
If your fillets are thinner, reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the fish.

Storage

Store cooked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause sogginess.

How to Serve

A white plate holds several pieces of golden brown fried fish with a crispy, bumpy texture, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. The pieces vary in size but are mostly flat and slightly irregular in shape, stacked close together. At the top right side of the plate, a single lemon wedge with bright yellow rind and pale juicy inside rests against the fish. At the upper left, there is a white ramekin filled with creamy white tartar sauce dotted with tiny green herb bits. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat the fillets dry before coating and cooking to ensure they crisp up properly.

What type of fish works best for air frying?

Firm white fish like cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia work best as they hold together well during cooking and develop a nice crust.