Haddock in the Air Fryer
Haddock has a sweet, slightly firmer flesh than cod, but it dries out quickly and the fillets are often thin. Haddock in air fryer baskets cooks in about 9 minutes, and a simple mustard and herb crumb gives it a crisp top that stays moist underneath. Here is the method for fresh, frozen and smoked haddock.
- Temperature
- 190°C
- Total time
- 21min
- Prep
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 60°C
- Per serving
- 230kcal
Why the air fryer works for haddock
Haddock in air fryer baskets cooks quickly and evenly, which matters for a fish with such fine flakes. In a frying pan the fillet is easily torn when you turn it, and in the oven the top dries before the middle is ready. The air fryer keeps the heat constant, so you do not need to turn the fillet at all, and a crumb topping crisps up in under 10 minutes.
Haddock is firmer and a little sweeter than cod, with more flavour of its own, so it stands up to mustard, lemon and herbs. If you want a milder fish, see cod in the air fryer. Haddock air fryer fillets are also very good smoked, which has a different method (see the variations below). For ready-made products, see frozen fish.
How to cook haddock in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Dry the fish Pat the fillets dry with kitchen roll and season lightly with salt and pepper. If they are very thin at one end, fold the tail under so the fillet cooks evenly.
- Make the crumb Mix the panko, parsley, lemon zest and half the olive oil in a bowl. Brush the top of each fillet with a thin layer of mustard, then press on the crumb.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 190 °C for . Brush the basket with the remaining oil, or use a perforated liner.
- Cook Place the fillets in a single layer in the basket. Cook for without turning, until the crumb is golden and the fish flakes.
- Check Push a thermometer into the thickest part. About 60 °C is the usual kitchen temperature for white fish, and the flesh should be opaque and flake easily. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top and serve.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Haddock | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Haddock fillet with crumb, 150 g | 190 °C | 8–10 min |
| Plain haddock fillet | 190 °C | 7–9 min |
| Haddock from frozenAdd crumb after 5 minutes | 180 °C | 12–14 min |
| Smoked haddock filletSkin side down, with butter | 180 °C | 8–10 min |
| Haddock goujonsShake halfway | 190 °C | 6–7 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 60 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Choose fillets of the same thickness. Cut thicker ones in half across the grain if one end is much bigger.
- Do not salt smoked haddock. The fish is already cured and quite salty.
- Serve it straight away. The crumb is crispest in the first few minutes out of the air fryer.
Serving
Serve the fish with chips and peas, or with new potatoes and green beans for a lighter plate. A spoonful of tartare sauce or a parsley sauce works well. Smoked haddock goes with a poached egg and buttered spinach, or into a fish cake mix.
Storing and reheating
Cooked haddock keeps for 1 day in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat it in the air fryer at 160 °C for 3–4 minutes until it is steaming hot all the way through (75 °C). Reheated crumb is less crisp than fresh, so a short, hot reheat is better than a long one.
Variations
- Smoked haddock: Place a 150 g fillet on a square of baking paper, dot with butter and cook for 8–10 minutes at 180 °C. Serve with a poached egg.
- Haddock goujons: Cut the fillets into strips, coat in flour, egg and panko, spray with oil and cook for 6–7 minutes.
- Spicy: Mix 1 tsp smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne into the crumb.
Troubleshooting
- The crumb is pale
- The fish was wet or the crumb not oiled. Pat the haddock dry, mix a little oil into the crumbs and preheat the air fryer.
- The fillet breaks when lifted
- Haddock flakes easily. Use a wide fish slice or a perforated liner, and do not turn the fillets.
- The thin fillets dry out
- Fold the thin tail under for an even thickness, or take thin fillets out at 7 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does haddock take in an air fryer?
A 150 g fillet takes 8–10 minutes at 190 °C. Thin fillets under 1.5 cm need 6–7 minutes.
Can you cook haddock from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen plain fillets at 180 °C for 12–14 minutes, adding the crumb after the first 5 minutes when the surface has thawed. Check that the centre is opaque and reaches 60 °C.
How do you cook smoked haddock in an air fryer?
Cook a 150 g smoked fillet at 180 °C for 8–10 minutes, skin side down, with a knob of butter on top. Smoked haddock is salty, so do not add salt.
Can I cook haddock without breadcrumbs?
Yes. Brush the fillets with oil and lemon, season and cook for 7–9 minutes at 190 °C. They are moister and more delicate without the crumb.
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