Air Fryer Walleye Recipe
This Air Fryer Walleye Recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden-brown fish in just 10 minutes. Whether you're new to air frying or an experienced cook, this simple yet delicious recipe is a healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried walleye, retaining all the flavor and texture without the excess oil.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Tongs or spatula
- Shallow bowl (for dredging)
- Basting brush (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Ingredients
- 2 walleye fillets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh herbs optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure an even cook.
- Prepare the Breading: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Fish: Dip each walleye fillet into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Then, dip it into the egg and finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs.
- Air Fry the Fish: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded walleye fillets in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook the Walleye: Air fry the fillets at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Once the fillets are done, remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
Thickness of fillets: Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your walleye fillets. Thicker fillets may need a couple of extra minutes.
Breadcrumb variations: For extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Flavor variations: Feel free to season the flour or breadcrumbs with your favorite spices, such as Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, or Italian herbs.
Serving suggestion: Serve your air fryer walleye with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even over a bed of rice for a complete meal.