Best 3 Air Fried Sunfish Recipes

Sunfish, a popular freshwater fish, is a delightful culinary treat when prepared with the right techniques. Air frying, a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, allows you to enjoy crispy and flavorful sunfish without the added guilt. This comprehensive guide provides three distinct air fryer recipes for sunfish, each offering a unique taste experience.

The first recipe highlights a classic Southern-style fried sunfish, coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter and cooked to golden perfection. The result is a crispy exterior and tender, flaky flesh that will transport you to the heart of the American South.

For those seeking a healthier option, the second recipe introduces an air-fried sunfish with a zesty lemon-herb marinade. This lighter version retains the crispy texture while infusing the fish with a burst of citrusy flavor and aromatic herbs.

Lastly, the third recipe tantalizes taste buds with a unique Asian-inspired air-fried sunfish. This recipe features a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, resulting in a crispy fish with a savory and umami-rich taste.

Whether you prefer a classic Southern-style dish, a healthier alternative, or an exotic Asian-inspired meal, these three air fryer sunfish recipes offer something for every palate. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey and discover the crispy, flaky goodness of air-fried sunfish, all while enjoying the convenience and health benefits of air frying.

Let's cook with our recipes!

FRIED BLUEGILL FILLETS

Fried Bluegill Fillets image

"The secret to this recipe is double-dipping the fish fillets," writes Doug Wright of Maize, Kansas.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 eggs
1-1/2 pounds bluegill or crappie fillets
1/2 cup canola oil, divided

Steps:

In a shallow bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In another bowl, whisk eggs. Dip fillets in eggs, then coat with crumb mixture. Dip again in eggs and crumb mixture., In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook fillets in batches in 2 tablespoons oil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork, adding oil as needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 473 calories, Fat 29g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 325mg cholesterol, Sodium 707mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

AIR-FRIED CRUMBED FISH

Air-Fried Crumbed Fish image

Crumbed fish is one of my favorite fried items, and this air-fried version of the recipe gives me great flavor without the fat.

Provided by Launa

Categories Seafood Fish

Time 22m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 cup dry bread crumbs
¼ cup vegetable oil
4 flounder fillets
1 egg, beaten
1 lemon, sliced

Steps:

Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Mix bread crumbs and oil together in a bowl. Stir until mixture becomes loose and crumbly.
Dip fish fillets into the egg; shake off any excess. Dip fillets into the bread crumb mixture; coat evenly and fully.
Lay coated fillets gently in the preheated air fryer. Cook until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 12 minutes. Garnish with lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 354.1 calories, Carbohydrate 22.5 g, Cholesterol 106.7 mg, Fat 17.7 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 26.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 308.9 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

AIR FRIED SUNFISH

Air Fried Sunfish image

Make and share this Air Fried Sunfish recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Tom G

Categories < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 8 Fillets, 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

8 sun fish fillets
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons california garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 sprays butter-flavored cooking spray

Steps:

Put fish fillets and buttermilk in a resealable plastic bag, let soak for 30 minutes.
Mix the next 3 ingredients and sprinkle over both sides of the fish.
Dredge the fillets in the panko in a 9" pie pan or other shallow dish.
Spray the inside of the basket, place the fish in the basket and spray the fish.
Air fry at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown (check occasionally after 5 minutes).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 925, Fat 8.8, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 400.9, Sodium 890.2, Carbohydrate 28.2, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 7.7, Protein 172.7

Tips:

Choose the right fish: Sunfish, also known as bluegill or pumpkinseed, is a popular choice for air frying. Look for fish that are about 6-8 inches long and have a firm, flaky texture.
Clean and prepare the fish: Rinse the fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the scales, fins, and entrails. If desired, you can score the fish lightly to help the seasoning penetrate.
Season the fish: There are many ways to season sunfish before air frying. You can use a simple salt and pepper rub, or get more creative with herbs, spices, and citrus. Some popular options include lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes before cooking the fish. This will help to ensure that the fish cooks evenly.
Cook the fish: Place the seasoned fish in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve immediately: Air-fried sunfish is best served immediately. You can garnish with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or tartar sauce.

Conclusion:

Air frying is a healthy and delicious way to cook sunfish. This method results in perfectly cooked fish that is crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. With a few simple tips, you can easily air fry sunfish at home. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give air-fried sunfish a try.