Learn how to prepare a beautifully spiced whole fish with a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior—all in an air fryer! This healthy cooking method uses minimal oil, making it perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Achieves a perfectly crispy texture without deep frying.
Uses simple ingredients for bold, delicious flavors.
Healthier alternative with minimal oil.
Quick cleanup thanks to air frying.
A versatile recipe that pairs well with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large bream
2 tablespoons seafood seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon jerk seasoning paste
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen)
1 splash water

Directions

Prepare the Fish: Clean and pat dry the bream. Make shallow slits on both sides of the fish to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
Season the Fish: In a small bowl, mix the seafood seasoning, paprika, jerk seasoning paste, lime juice, and olive oil. Rub the mixture all over the fish, including the slits and the cavity. Let the fish marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Cook the Fish: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the seasoned fish in the basket and air fry for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Check for doneness—the fish should flake easily with a fork.
Cook the Vegetables: Toss the frozen mixed vegetables with a splash of water, a pinch of seafood seasoning, and olive oil. Air fry alongside the fish or separately for 10–12 minutes until tender.
Serve: Plate the crispy fish with the cooked vegetables on the side, and garnish with lime wedges if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Different Fish: Swap bream for snapper, tilapia, or trout. Adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of the fish.
Spice Mix: Customize the seasoning with Cajun spice, garlic powder, or lemon pepper for a new flavor profile.
Vegetables: Use fresh vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a vibrant side dish.
Crispier Skin: Brush the fish with additional olive oil before air frying for an extra-crispy exterior.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the fish in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain its crispiness. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, snapper, tilapia, or trout are excellent substitutes for bream in this recipe.

2. How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers.

3. Do I need to thaw the vegetables before air frying?

No, you can air fry the frozen vegetables directly. Toss them with seasoning and oil for best results.

4. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add more jerk seasoning paste or sprinkle red chili flakes into the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.

5. What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

6. Can I marinate the fish for longer?

Yes, marinating for up to 2 hours enhances the flavors even more.

7. How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

8. Can I use this recipe for fillets instead of whole fish?

Yes, adjust the cooking time to 10–12 minutes for fillets, depending on their thickness.

9. Is air frying healthier than frying in oil?

Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil, reducing the overall calorie and fat content.

10. Can I cook two fish at the same time in the air fryer?

If your air fryer basket is large enough, you can cook two fish at once. Ensure there is space between them for even airflow.

Conclusion

Crispy Whole Fish in an Air Fryer is a flavorful and healthy dinner option that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With minimal oil and bold seasonings, this dish offers a restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s sure to impress

Crispy Whole Fish in an Air Fryer

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Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Caribbean

Description

Discover the easiest way to make crispy, golden whole fish in your air fryer! This flavorful recipe uses minimal oil and a blend of jerk and seafood seasonings to create a deliciously spiced dish. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat:

1/2 tsp jerk seasoning paste

Seafood:

2 large bream (cleaned and scaled)
2 tbsp seafood seasoning

Condiments:

1 tbsp lime juice

Baking & Spices:

1 tsp paprika

Oils & Vinegars:

2 tbsp olive oil

Frozen:

2 cups mixed vegetables

Liquids:

1 splash water

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Instructions

Prepare the Fish:
- Rinse the bream under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Make 2–3 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
Season the Fish:
- In a small bowl, combine the jerk seasoning paste, seafood seasoning, paprika, lime juice, olive oil, and a splash of water to form a marinade. Rub the marinade all over the fish, including inside the cavity and the cuts. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Air Fry the Fish:
- Place the fish in the air fryer basket and cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden and crispy on the outside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- While the fish is cooking, steam or air-fry the mixed vegetables until tender.
Serve:
- Plate the crispy fish alongside the vegetables and garnish with lime wedges or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Notes

Swap bream for snapper or tilapia if preferred.
Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the fish, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.