Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, delicious meal that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This air fryer haddock recipe is your answer. Forget greasy, overcooked fish; this method delivers flaky, perfectly seasoned haddock with minimal cleanup. It's a fantastic example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be, perfect for busy weeknights or a simple yet elegant weekend dinner. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) haddock fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Haddock: Pat the haddock fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Season the Fish: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the haddock fillets.
- Air Fry the Haddock: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned haddock fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets and your air fryer model.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your haddock is perfectly cooked, gently flake a piece with a fork. It should be opaque and easily separate. If it's still translucent, continue air frying in 1-minute intervals until cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the cooked haddock from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Haddock:
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, resulting in unevenly cooked fish. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fillets will require a slightly longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking. Try adding other herbs and spices like dill, thyme, or cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile. This recipe is a great base for exploring different flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Haddock: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the seasoning mixture.
- Spicy Haddock: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Butter Haddock: Melt a tablespoon of butter and mix it with minced garlic. Brush this mixture over the haddock before air frying.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g
This air fryer haddock recipe is a testament to how delicious and easy healthy meals can be. It’s a perfect example of simple yet satisfying homemade cooking, a delightful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes. Enjoy!