National Fish and Chip Day: Air Fryer Edition

National Fish and Chip Day is more than just an excuse to indulge, it’s a celebration of one of Ireland’s most beloved comfort foods. From seaside towns to busy city streets, fish and chips have long held a special place in Irish culture. While the tradition remains strong, how we cook and enjoy this classic dish is evolving. 

Enter the air fryer: a modern kitchen staple that lets you enjoy all the flavour and crispiness of fish and chips, with less oil, less hassle and a reduced energy bill when compared to an oven or cooker. Whether you're planning a cosy night in or hosting a big family feast, here’s how you can honour this iconic dish while embracing hassle-free cooking.

Air fryers have surged in popularity in Irish kitchens over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. They use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and crisp it up, often with little to no oil. This makes them ideal for preparing traditionally deep-fried dishes like fish and chips — without the greasiness.

• Healthier cooking: Use up to 80% less oil compared to deep frying
• Crispy results: Achieve crunchy golden batter and perfectly browned chips, without the extra grease
• Convenience: Faster cooking times and minimal clean-up
• Versatility: Roast, bake, grill, and fry all in one appliance

For anyone looking to enjoy their favourite takeaway dishes in a lighter way, air fryers are a must-have. They are also ideal for homes looking to lower their energy bills. An air fryer is considered an energy-efficient way of cooking when compared to an oven or cooker. 

Creating homemade fish and chips in an air fryer is easier than you might think. This recipe can be adjusted to suit any size home. We recommend using a dual drawer air fryer. This allows you to sync the cooking times of the fish and chips, giving you the best results. If you are cooking for a large group, you can use the air fryer to cook the chips, then place them in an oven to keep warm while the fish is being cooked. 

Ingredients:

• Fresh cod or haddock fillets
• Plain flour
• Egg (beaten)
• Breadcrumbs or panko
• Potatoes (maris piper or rooster work well)
• Salt, pepper, and your favourite seasoning and sauces to serve alongside

Method:

1. Prepare the chips: Peel and cut your potatoes into thick slices. Soak in water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly. Toss lightly in oil and seasoning.
2. Preheat your air fryer to around 180°C.
3. Cook the chips for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Coat the fish: Coat your fish fillets in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs or panko.
5. Air fry the fish for 10–12 minutes until crispy.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favourite sauces.

Capacity: Match It to Your Household (and Appetite)

When it comes to fakeaways, air fryer capacity is one of the most important features to consider.

• Small (2–4L): Good for 1–2 people, but you’ll struggle to fit full portions of chips and fish together
• Medium (4–6L): Ideal for small families, can handle chips and protein in batches
• Large (6L+): Best for families or entertaining — cook full fakeaway meals at once

For fish and chips, you’ll want enough space to lay your fish flat without overlapping. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and a soggy coating.

DID top tip: If you plan to regularly cook full meals in your air fryer, then a dual-drawer air fryer is a game-changer. You can cook chips in one basket and fish or chicken in the other at different temperatures and timings.

Power and Performance: Crisping Is Everything

Fakeaways rely on that signature crispy finish — whether it’s golden chips or crunchy coating on fish. That means you need an air fryer that delivers consistent high heat.

• Look for power between 1500W–2470W
• Higher wattage = faster cooking + better browning
• Consistent airflow technology is key to even crisping

Lower-powered models can result in food that dries out before it crisps — the exact opposite of what you want.

Cooking Functions: Beyond Just “Air Fry”

Modern air fryers often come with multiple cooking modes, and these are especially useful for fakeaways:

• Air Fry: For chips, goujons, scampi
• Max Crisp / Extra Crisp modes: Ideal for frozen foods or achieving that deep-fried finish
• Bake/Roast: Useful for things like wedges, whole chickens or baking potatoes
• Reheat: Great for reviving leftovers without sogginess. This programme is also perfect for bringing day old pastries back to life!

Some premium models even include sync or match functions (great in dual drawers), so everything finishes cooking at the same time — perfect for serving a complete meal hot.

Basket Design: Space, Shape, and Ease

Basket design can have a big impact on results:

• Square baskets: Can offer more usable cooking space than round ones
• Non-stick coatings: Essential for easy cleaning after breaded foods
• Removable crisper plates/racks: Improve airflow and crispiness

For fakeaways, where coatings and crumbs are common, you’ll appreciate a basket that’s easy to wipe clean or is dishwasher-safe.

Temperature Range & Control

Precision matters when cooking different fakeaway foods.

• Look for a temperature range of at least 80°C–200°C (or higher)
• The ability to fine-tune the temperature helps avoid over- or under-cooking

For example:

• Chips often need 180–200°C
• Fish or chicken coatings crisp best when started lower, then finished hot. This allows you to let the protein cook without burning the outside crumb. 

If your goal is to recreate authentic takeaway-style meals at home, prioritise:

✔ A large capacity or dual basket
✔ Temperature range
✔ Good airflow and crisping performance

Investing in a high-quality air fryer ensures you get reliability, strong performance, and access to top brands like Ninja.