Have you tried the most convenient way to prepare delicious and healthy white fish? Look no further, because this air fryer walleye recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds! Whether you prefer it with breading or without, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy a flavorful meal!
The Wonder of Walleye
Walleye, also known as yellow pike, is a native white fish found in most parts of Canada and the Northern United States. With its mild and tender meat, this fish boasts a lightly sweet taste, while being moist and low in bones.
How to Make Air Fryer Walleye Fish
Let’s dive into the simple steps of creating this delicious dish:
With Breading
To begin, make sure your walleye fillets are completely thawed. If they are frozen, leave them on the counter for a couple of hours to thaw.
In a bowl, crack an egg and whisk it with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of garlic powder, if desired.
In a separate bowl, prepare breadcrumbs. You can use Italian herbs seasoned breadcrumbs or plain ones, adding your preferred seasonings such as salt and pepper. If you want extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs are an excellent choice.
Here’s a pro tip: There’s no need to remove the skin from the fish. Dip the fillets in the egg wash, shake off any excess, and then coat them with seasoned breadcrumbs. Ensure to remove any extra crumbs before placing them in the air fryer basket, which has been previously sprayed with oil.
Avoid handling the breaded fillets too much to prevent the breading from chipping. Use tongs or your fingers to carefully move the walleye to the air fryer basket.
During the cooking process, it’s ideal to spray the fish with olive oil spray to enhance its golden color and crispiness. Remember not to flip the fish while it cooks. As long as you don’t overlap the fillets and leave space in the basket for proper air circulation, the fish will crisp evenly without the need for flipping.
Once cooked, cover the walleye with a squeeze of lemon juice and top it off with chopped green onions for an extra crunch. Simply delicious!
Without Breading
If you prefer a healthier option, you can cook air fryer walleye without breading. Thaw the fish and season it with salt, freshly ground pepper, and some garlic powder. Slice a lemon and place it on the bottom of the air fryer basket. Lay the seasoned fish on top and cook it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes. Check the internal temperature, which should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thawing Fish
When it comes to cooking walleye, it’s common to start with frozen fillets. To thaw them, you can either leave them in the fridge overnight or defrost them on the counter in room temperature for a couple of hours. Fish thaws quickly compared to meat!
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Use olive oil spray to add crispiness to the breading during the cooking process. Don’t spray too much!
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper cooking. Steamed fish is not what we’re aiming for!
- Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the fish.
- Serve air fryer walleye with a side of lemon wedges and tartar sauce for a classic and satisfying combination.
- Don’t worry about removing the skin from the walleye fillet. It becomes soft enough to eat when cooked, as long as it’s descaled.
If you’re looking for more delectable recipes, be sure to check out these mouthwatering options:
- Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
- Air Fryer Swordfish
- Jaiba Ceviche
- KFC Coleslaw Recipe Without Buttermilk (perfect as a side dish for this recipe!)
Remember, for more exciting cooking adventures and recipes, visit Ekilove. Happy cooking!
