Air Fryer Walleye Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s quick and easy to make in my air fryer, satisfying my craving for a deliciously crispy meal without the guilt of deep frying. Plus, the blend of Parmesan and paprika gives the walleye fillets a mouthwatering flavor that keeps me coming back for more!

How air frying turns walleye into a crispy, guilt-free treat is something I love. My recipe combines breadcrumbs and Parmesan that are perfectly balanced and flavorful for a crust.

Then there is my garlic powder and paprika, which takes the freshness of the fish to another level. And don’t even get me started on the lemon wedges.

They add a twist that only lemon can deliver.

Ingredients

• Walleye Fillets: High in protein and low in fat, these fish fillets are a lean source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy texture and a modest carbohydrate content for energy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor and a boost of calcium and protein.
• Garlic Powder: Offers an aromatic depth and contains beneficial antioxidants.
• Paprika: Brings a mild heat and richness, and is rich in antioxidants like vitamin A.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 walleye fillets, about 6-8 ounces each
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Set the air fryer to preheat at 390°F (200°C).

2. In a shallow bowl, mix the egg with 1 tablespoon of water.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

4. Dry the walleye fillets with paper towels.

5. Place each fillet into the egg mixture and ensure it is fully coated.

6. Coat the fillets with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently but firmly to ensure an even adherence of the coating.

7. Mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.

8. Arrange the coated fillets in the basket, making sure they do not overlap.

9. Mist the top of the fillets lightly with cooking spray or olive oil spray.

10. For 10-12 minutes, air fry the fish, turning it halfway through to ensure even cooking. Look for a golden-brown color on the fish and check that it flakes easily with a fork before removing it from the air fryer. Serve with wedges of lemon.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Shallow bowl
3. Mixing bowl
4. Paper towels
5. Fork (for mixing)
6. Cooking spray or oil spray

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen walleye fillets?A: Yes, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly and blot them dry before using.
• Q: How do I prevent the fillets from sticking to the air fryer basket?A: Use cooking spray to lightly coat the basket, or place a piece of parchment paper beneath the fillets.
• Q: Can I substitute the breadcrumbs?A: Yes, panko breadcrumbs are an excellent choice for achieving that extra crispy texture.
• Q: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?A: You can replace it with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano, or leave it out for a different flavor.
• Q: How long should I cook the walleye in the air fryer?A: Bake at 400°F for around 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until all are golden and completely cooked.
• Q: Can I add other spices?A: Certainly. You can adjust to your liking with herbs or spices, such as dill, cayenne, or thyme.

Substitutions and Variations

Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch or crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
For Grated Parmesan cheese: If you need a dairy-free substitute, use Pecorino Romano, or nutritional yeast works well, too.
Garlic powder: Use minced fresh garlic or garlic granules in its place if you want a more potent flavor.
Paprika: Experiment with smoked paprika for a distinct flavor or use cayenne pepper for some extra spice.
Lime wedges: Use lemon wedges for a different citrus twist.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for Extra Flavor For enhanced taste, marinate the walleye fillets in a mixture of lemon juice, a bit of dill, and a pinch of salt for about 30 minutes before starting the recipe. This adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the fish.

2. Use Panko for Extra Crunch Substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, more delicate crunch that pairs well with the air frying technique.

3. Temperature Check Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the fish is perfectly cooked. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), ensuring the fillets are cooked through without being overdone.

4. Spice Variation Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture if you’d like to give your fish a slight kick of heat.

5. Rest Before Serving Let the fish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This brief rest period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.