Air-fryer fish & chips

Use your air-fryer to make this British classic. Choose white fish such as cod, haddock or basa, and serve with mushy peas and tartar sauce

Prep:10 mins
Cook:15 mins

Serves 2
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 654
fat 34g
saturates 3g
carbs 59g
sugars 0g
fibre 4g
protein 26g
salt 2.68g

Ingredients

60g cornflour
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried mixed herbs
2 white fish fillets, such as cod, haddock or basa
3 medium potatoes, such as Desirée or Maris Piper
6-8 tbsp vegetable oil
mushy peas and tartar sauce, to serve (optional)

Tip

To cook the fish on the hob: Place a frying pan over a medium heat with enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan in a thin layer. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated fillets in the pan – they should sizzle slightly. Fry on each side until crisp and golden – about 3-4 mins on each side. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain the excess oil.
To cook the chips in the oven: Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Put the chips in a pan of boiling water for 3 mins. Drain, then oil a large baking tray (use about 4 tbsp). Tip the chips into the tray, season with salt and pepper, and turn until well coated. Cook for 20-25 mins, turning halfway, until golden.

Method

Mix together the cornflour, paprika and mixed herbs with 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper and spread out on a large dinner plate. Coat the fish fillets in the flour mixture on both sides. If you prefer to cook on the hob, see tip below – the fish fillets are now ready to fry.
Cut the potatoes into 1cm-thick chips using a large, sharp knife. Leave the skin on, or peel them, if you like.
Put the chips in a large mixing bowl, then add 2 tbsp of the vegetable oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until well coated. Set the air-fryer to 200C and cook the chips for around 18-22 mins, turning halfway (or shake the air-fryer basket) until crisp and cooked. Alternatively, you can cook them in the oven (see tip, below). Keep warm while you cook the fish or cook it in the second air-fryer basket, if you have one.
Spread 4 tbsp of the vegetable oil out on a large dinner plate and dredge the coated fish in the oil to cover. Set the air-fryer to 200C and cook for 8-10 mins (depending on the size of your fish fillets), carefully turning halfway. Serve with mushy peas and tartar sauce, if you like. If freezing the fish and chips, defrost fully in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until piping hot.