Healthy Fish and Chips With Homemade Tartar Sauce

This Healthy Fish and Chips With Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe offers a lighter take on the classic, featuring crispy baked or air-fried fish paired with oven-baked fries. Served with a tangy homemade tartar sauce, it’s a satisfying and guilt-free meal everyone will love.

This Fish and Chips with Homemade Tartar Sauce recipe offers a healthier take on the classic British favorite.

The fish is air fried to a crispy golden perfection alongside tender, flavorful fries, while the creamy, tangy tartar sauce adds the perfect finishing touch.

It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s family-friendly and guilt-free—great for any night you want comfort food without the extra grease.

If you love easy seafood recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Bacon and Crab Rolls, Air Fryer Soft Shell Crab or Air Fryer Shrimp Foil Packets.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy, flavorful fish without deep frying.
• Homemade tartar sauce adds fresh, tangy zest.
• Baked fries make this a healthier comfort meal.
• Simple ingredients and easy to prepare at home.
• Perfect family-friendly dish everyone will enjoy.

Craving seafood? You aren’t alone! Be sure to try our Air Fryer Tilapia Tacos, Air Fryer Miso Salmon, Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets, and Air Fryer Tuna Melt Wrap.

Ingredients Needed

• All-Purpose Flour: Light coating for crispy, golden fish batter
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and crispiness to coating
• Baking Soda: Helps batter puff up and become airy
• Beer or Water: Creates a light, bubbly batter base
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients for smooth, thick batter
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor
• Paprika: Adds smoky, mild heat to the batter
• Garlic Powder: Enhances savory, aromatic taste in coating
• Cod Fillets or Another White Fish: Tender, flaky fish for frying
• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps crispness develop
• Homemade or Store-Bought French Fries: Crispy, golden side for fish meal
• Lemon Wedges for Serving: Adds fresh, bright citrus flavor
• Homemade Tartar Sauce for Serving: Creamy, tangy dip complementing fish

How to Make Fish And Chips With Homemade Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the flour, the cornstarch, baking soda, beer or water, and the egg until smooth; set aside. In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, and set aside. 

Step 2: Use a paper towel and dry the fish. Place the cod, one piece at a time, into the batter. Let any excess batter drip off and place it into the flour mixture. Coat it in the flour and press it in. Spray the air fryer basket well with cooking oil spray, or use a parchment paper liner. Place the fish into the basket. You can add multiple pieces, but make sure they are not touching. Spray generously with cooking spray. 

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer for a couple of minutes. Then, place the pieces of fish into the air fryer basket. Set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes; halfway through, spray again with more cooking spray; there is no need to flip. It is done when the fish is a golden brown color. Immediately sprinkle with more salt to taste. Serve with steak fries, lemon wedges, and tartar sauce for dipping.  

Recipe Variations

• Air Fryer Fish and Chips Healthy: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs and minimal oil to coat the fish fillets.
• Air Fryer Fish and Chips Frozen: Cook frozen fish fillets and frozen fries in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Fish in Air Fryer No Breading: Season fish fillets with your favorite spices and air fry.
• Ninja Air Fryer Fish and Chips: Cook in your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker, using the air crisp function.

Fish and Chips With Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe Tips

• Choose the Right Fish Type: Use white fish like cod or haddock for the best texture and flavor. Ensure the fillets are not too thick for even cooking.
• Cold Ingredients: Use room temperature or slightly chilled beer or water to make the batter. This helps create a lighter, crispier crust when cooked.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until combined to avoid developing gluten, making the coating tough.
• Dry Before Dipping: Pat the fish dry with paper towels before dredging in flour. This helps the batter stick better.
• One at a Time: Dip and coat each fillet individually to ensure a uniform layer of batter.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to get a consistent cooking temperature, which is crucial for achieving that golden crispiness.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the fish in batches if necessary to allow air circulation around each fillet, promoting an even and crispy texture.
• Flip Gently: Use a spatula to carefully flip the fish halfway through cooking to ensure it browns evenly on both sides.
• Season Well: Toss your potato wedges with oil and seasonings before air frying to enhance flavor and achieve a golden exterior.
• Serve Immediately: Air fryer fish and chips are best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately after cooking with lemon wedges, lemon juice, and tartar sauce for added zest and creaminess.
• Keep Warm: If cooking in batches, keep the cooked fish and chips warm in an oven at a low temperature while you finish the rest.
• Easy Cleanup: To make cleanup easier, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper cut to size, ensuring it doesn’t cover all the ventilation holes.

Healthy Fish and Chips With Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe Faqs

What type of fish is best for air fryer fish and chips? This dish is ideal for firm white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia. They have the right texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the crispy batter or breadcrumb coating.

How can I prevent the batter from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding your fish. Additionally, ensure the batter isn’t too wet, and consider placing parchment paper with holes in the bottom for easier removal.

How do I know when the fish is cooked through? The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63°C), and the coating is golden and crispy. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

How to store leftover fish and chips: Let the fish cool to room temperature, then place them into an airtight container. 

Can I add seasonings to the batter or chips? Yes, feel free to customize the seasonings to your taste. Adding herbs, spices, or Parmesan cheese to the batter or chips can enhance the flavor profile of your dish.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED SHRIMP
• AIR FRYER COPYCAT MCDONALD’S FILET-O-FISH
• EASY AIR FRYER TUNA MELT GRILLED CHEESE
• AIR FRYER FISH STICKS RECIPE
• AIR FRYER CHINESE BUFFET CRAB CASSEROLE RECIPE
• AIR FRYER MAHI MAHI
• AIR FRYER SWEET POTATO FRIES

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