Yes, you can absolutely wrap fish in foil in an air fryer to steam it, lock in juices, and keep it moist, creating easy "en papillote" style parcels for minimal cleanup, just ensure the foil is sealed well and doesn't block airflow or touch the heating element. Foil is safe in air fryers, which are convection ovens, not microwaves, but keep it weighted down and away from the top element.
Do I have to use foil in the air fryer? The foil helps keep the fish moist and prevents the filling from spilling. Just make sure to leave the top slightly open for crisping.
So, in an air fryer, wrapping foil around food will block its ability to heat and cook it. An air fryer's heating method is almost entirely dependent on hot air directly striking the food. Foil blocks it, so the air cannot touch the potato, so it cannot cook.
Can You Cook Fish In Aluminum Foil In The Air Fryer? Absolutely! Fish cooks up moist and delicious when wrapped in foil first. Be sure there's enough foil to seal up around the fish while leaving some space around the fillet for the juices to heat up and flavor the fish.
You can't cook foods with wet batter, liquids, or loose items like leafy greens in an air fryer as they make a mess; also avoid rice, pasta, popcorn, and large roasts that need even liquid-based cooking or have too much drippings, as they won't cook properly or will burn the machine. Essentially, anything requiring boiling, stewing, or a significant amount of liquid, or very delicate items that blow around, should be avoided.
When Not To Use Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer
The best things to put on the bottom of an air fryer for easy cleanup are perforated parchment paper liners, silicone mats, or aluminum foil, though parchment is most popular for catching drippings while allowing airflow. Always use perforated liners or punch holes in parchment/foil to ensure air circulation for crispiness, weigh them down with food, or use them under the crisper tray/basket to prevent them from flying up and touching the heating element.
While you can put almost any type of fish fillet in the air fryer, this recipe is best for moderately thin, white and flaky fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi mahi, all of which can be fresh or thawed frozen. Avoid thicker fish fillets such as tuna or swordfish, which will take longer to cook.
Rub the fish filets on all sides with your oil/spice mix and place them in the air fryer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or just until it easily flakes with a fork. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your fish. Begin checking them at 6 minutes then at 2-minute increments until just cooked through.
Instructions
Air frying uses the rapid circulation of hot air to cook and crisp your food. While lining your air fryer with foil might seem like a convenient way to minimize cleanup, it's not recommended. Foil can disrupt the airflow within the appliance, preventing food from cooking evenly.
IS IT SAFE TO PUT FOIL IN AN AIR FRYER? You can not use aluminum foil in your countertop air fryer. If you do, it may obstruct the air flow and cause it to overheat. It is okay to use foil in a range with air fry, however, when you line baking sheets with foil or use aluminum foil disposable baking dishes.
Wrap the foil around the fish to make two parcels, with a gap above the fish but shallow enough to fit in your air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 180C. Add the foil parcels to the preheated air fryer and air fry for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
People are getting rid of air fryers due to small basket sizes limiting family meals, issues with peeling non-stick coatings, difficulty cleaning, safety concerns like melting components, the perception they're just small ovens, limitations on certain foods (like wet batters), and sometimes switching to cheaper, more efficient appliances like halogen ovens. Many find they outgrow basic models, leading to batch cooking, and eventually replace them with larger or different appliances.
In just a few minutes, you get perfectly cooked eggs. Whether it's a quick breakfast or a tasty topping for rice bowls or toast, air fryer eggs are fast, fuss-free, and seriously delicious.
Instructions
4. Flip it Halfway Through. You should always flip seafood once when it is halfway done. Flipping it at the halfway point is the best way to prevent it from burning or overcooking.
Air fry salmon for 8-12 minutes at 375-400°F (190-200°C), depending on thickness and desired doneness; check for flakiness with a fork, aiming for an internal temp of 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked, or slightly less for medium, and adjust time as needed. Thicker fillets need more time, while thinner ones cook faster; always place in a single layer without overcrowding for even cooking.
Using knives or other sharp utensils inside the air fryer can scratch the non-stick coating, which is crucial for its performance, keeping it undamaged will prolong the life of your appliance.