This easy air fryer haddock recipe can be ready and on the table in 10 minutes. Air-fried until perfectly tender, flaky white fish is covered in a spicy and flavorful Cajun garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy seafood dinner is simple to make and incredibly delicious served with your favorite sides!

Coming together with only 6 ingredients, these air-fried haddock fillets are tasty by themselves or served with rice or mashed potatoes. It is a healthy and budget-friendly meal filled with plenty of Cajun and garlic flavor!

Usually battered and fried, haddock fillets can be easily cooked in your air fryer instead. Made with no breading, this air fryer fish recipe is ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish with minimal mess and no complex steps.

You get the taste of fried fish without all the extra oil and calories made in a simpler way.

Recipe ingredients

Haddock fillets. Fresh or frozen fillets. If using frozen, thaw either in a cold bowl of water until it is no longer icy or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Salt and ground black pepper. Everyday kitchen seasonings. Freshly ground black pepper has a stronger peppery flavor than the preground kind.

Butter. Keeps the fish moist as it cooks in the air fryer while giving amazing flavor.

Cajun seasoning. A spice blend of cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, cumin, and black and white pepper.

Fresh garlic. Minced and added to the Cajun butter sauce. An excellent seasoning for seafood.

How to make air fryer haddock

If the fish is frozen you will need to defrost it first. Do it by placing haddock fillets in the fridge overnight or just simply thaw it on the counter. It will take just couple hours because seafood usually thaws very quickly.

Spray air fryer basket with oil spay or brush with oil. If you have air fryer liners you can use that if you want. Pat dry fillets with paper towels and place in the air fryer.

Mix seasoning in a small bowl. I used Cajun seasoning, melted butter, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour it generously on each fillet.

Place the air fryer basket in to the air fryer. Cook for 10 minutes total or until the thickest part of the fillet reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. More information on the cooking time is in the recipe card in the end of the post.

What do i love about this recipe

Haddock is from the same family as cod and both of these fishes have many similarities. This fish is most commonly used to make fish sticks or fish and chips. Having a mild and slightly sweet flavor and flaky texture, haddock is a great option for kids or picky eaters!

This lean white fish is also ideal if you don't like fishy-tasting fish but want to increase your seafood consumption. High in protein, Haddock is full of B vitamins, and omega-3 fats. It also has a low amount of mercury in it making it a very healthy option for most people.

Substitutions

Fish. Any type of mild-flavored white fish such as cod, halibut, pollock, or tilapia can be used instead of haddock.

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Garlic. If you don't have fresh garlic you can use ¼ - ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead.

Cajun seasoning. Ran out of Cajun spice? Make an easy substitute by combining chili powder, dried thyme, and a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.

Variations

Switch up the seasonings by using lemon pepper seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, dried rosemary, or dried thyme.

Cook the haddock fillets with a splash of lemon juice, zest, or fresh lemon slices to give a bright citrus flavor to the fish.

Another way to add more flavor is to cook or garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does fish take to cook in the air fryer?

Depending on how large your haddock fillets are, it should take about 10 - 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 350 degrees.

Is haddock a healthy fish?

Yes! Haddock is a very healthy fish. It is loaded with protein, B vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a very lean fish, so it is an excellent choice if you are trying to reduce your fat intake.

How can I tell when the fish is finished cooking?

Looking at the fish it should be completely opaque white and easily flake with a fork. If it looks translucent or doesn't flake easily, it might be underdone and should be cooked for a few minutes more.

Are haddock and cod the same fish?

Both of these fish come from the same family and have a mild flavor with a similar appearance. The main difference is in the taste and texture of each fish. Haddock has a slightly more "fishy" taste and its fillets are thin and flat. Cod on the other hand has thick and firm fillets.

Side dishes

Classic combination of white rice and white fish will never get old. Make a nice steamy bowl of white or brown rice and top it with the fish drippings. Make scalloped, mashed or boiled potatoes.

Fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and onions will add a crunch and color to the plate. You can also add fresh or marinated bell peppers and mini cucumbers. Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic over the salad and mix.

Leftovers

Leftovers. Store air fryer haddock leftovers in the fridge in the air tight container for up to 4 days. Try to eat it as fast as possible because fish tastes best when its fresh.

Freezer. You can freeze cooked fish. Place it in the freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat. Reheat in the microwave, air fryer or in the oven until heated to your liking.

Air fryer haddock

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This easy air fryer haddock recipe can be ready and on the table in 10 minutes. Air-fried until perfectly tender, flaky whitefish is covered in a spicy and flavorful Cajun garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy seafood dinner is simple to make and incredibly delicious served with your favorite sides!

Ingredients

2 haddock fillets
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup butter
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

Season fillets with salt and pepper
In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, garlic and Cajun seasoning. Spread evenly over the fish.
Cook for 10 minutes at 350 degrees

Notes

Leftovers. Store air fryer haddock leftovers in the fridge in the air tight container for up to 4 days. Try to eat it as fast as possible because fish tastes best when its fresh.

Freezer. You can freeze cooked fish. Place it in the freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat. Reheat in the microwave, air fryer or in the oven until heated to your liking.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 2729mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 31g