Air Fryer Southern-Style Fried Whiting

Air Fryer Southern-Style Fried Whiting

Enjoy the comforting flavors of the South with this crispy and golden Air Fryer Southern-Style Fried Whiting. Coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and air-fried to perfection, it’s a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 whiting fillets (about 5-6 oz each)

• ½ cup yellow cornmeal

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• Cooking spray

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Whiting:

• Rinse the whiting fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.

• Lightly season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Make the Coating:

• In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.

• Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish.

3. Coat the Fish:

• Dip each whiting fillet into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.

• Press into the cornmeal mixture, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess coating.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

5. Cook the Whiting:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Arrange the coated fillets in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust should be golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the fried whiting to a serving plate and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Crispier Crust: Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray before air frying.

• Cornmeal Texture: Use fine yellow cornmeal for a smoother crust, or medium-grind for extra crunch.

• Custom Seasoning: Add Old Bay or Cajun seasoning to the cornmeal mix for a regional flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions:

This Southern-style dish pairs well with:

• Sides: Coleslaw, hush puppies, or baked mac and cheese.

• Vegetables: Collard greens, green beans, or air-fried okra.

• Sauces: Serve with tartar sauce, hot sauce, or a spicy remoulade.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~280

• Protein: ~25g

• Carbohydrates: ~16g

• Fat: ~12g

• Fiber: ~1g

This Air Fryer Southern-Style Fried Whiting brings all the crispy, seasoned goodness of traditional fried fish in a healthier air-fried version. Perfect for a family dinner or fish fry night!