Easy Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Fish
Got a hankering for sweet and sour fish but don’t feel like getting takeout? You’re in luck! Cooking up crispy, deliciously sweet and sour fish in an air fryer is now easier than ever. Tonight, indulge yourself with this lightly battered, flavorful dish that’s sure to leave your tastebuds dancing. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time in the air fryer, you’ll have restaurant-quality Chinese food at home with very little effort! Let’s get cookin’!

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Cantonese sweet and sour fish recipe like the takeaway
Love sweet and sour fish from your local Chinese takeaway but want to make it at home? Look no further than the air fryer! With the right recipe, you can get that crispy texture on the outside of the fish and a tangy and sweet flavour in every bite. Plus, cooking with an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer:
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- It requires less oil, making your meals healthier and less greasy
- Air fryers are easy to clean and maintain, making them a convenient kitchen appliance for busy people
- You can save time cooking since the air fryer heats up quickly and cooks food faster than traditional ovens or stovetops. Try this recipe and enjoy a delicious and healthy version of your favourite Chinese takeout dish!
Ingredients
Fish Coating
- 300 g Fish (Cod or Coley)
- ยผ tsp Salt
- ยฝ Egg (beaten)
- 40 g Cornflour
- Drizzle of oil (vegetable)
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 300 ml Water
- 6 tbsp Ketchup
- 4 tbsp Cornflour (mixed with 4 tbsp of water)
- 6 tbsp Sugar
- 6 tbsp Vinegar
- Pineapple juice (from a tin of 4 pineapple rings)
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp Oil (vegetable)
- 4 Pineapple Rings (Chopped into chunks (keep the juice for the sauce))
- ยฝ Onion (Cut into chunks)
- ยผ Red Pepper (Cut into chunks)
- ยผ Green Pepper (Cut into chunks)
How to make sweet and sour fish in the air fryer
What goes with sweet and sour fish?
Sweet and sour fish is a delightful dish that can be paired with various side dishes to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal. One choice is egg-fried quinoa, which offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried rice while still providing a delicious and complementary flavour. This protein-packed option adds an extra layer of texture and nutrition to your meal.
Other side dishes that pair well with sweet and sour fish include steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the tangy sauce, and stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snow peas for added crunch and colour.
A refreshing cucumber salad can also be a welcome addition, providing a cool contrast to the warm and rich flavours of the fish. By exploring different side dishes, you can customize your meal to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences while enjoying the classic taste of sweet and sour fish.
Air Fryer Sweet And Sour Fish
Ingredients
Fish Coating
- 300 g Fish (Cod or Coley)
- ยผ tsp Salt
- ยฝ Egg (beaten)
- 40 g Cornflour
- Drizzle of oil (vegetable)
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 300 ml Water
- 6 tbsp Ketchup
- 4 tbsp Cornflour (mixed with 4 tbsp of water)
- 6 tbsp Sugar
- 6 tbsp Vinegar
- Pineapple juice (from a tin of 4 pineapple rings)
Vegetables
- 1 tbsp Oil (vegetable)
- 4 Pineapple Rings (Chopped into chunks (keep the juice for the sauce))
- ยฝ Onion (Cut into chunks)
- ยผ Red Pepper (Cut into chunks)
- ยผ Green Pepper (Cut into chunks)
Instructions
- Prepare the veg and chop the fish into small to medium pieces.
- Put the fish into a plastic container that has a lid. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Pour half of the egg in and coat. Mix in the cornflour. Put the lid on a shake until everything is coated. Repeat again and add more cornflour if needed. Drizzle very lightly with oil. Not a lot is needed.
- Set the air fryer to 180โ and add the coated fish pieces. Set the time to 12 minutes. (My pieces were about 2 inches, and this is the time it took to cook) Turn the pieces halfway through cooking.
- Meanwhile, make the sweet and sour sauce. In a bowl, add the water, sugar, ketchup, vinegar and pineapple juice and mix together. Transfer to a saucepan and heat for 2 minutes. Add the cornflour mixture and cook until it starts to thicken. If it gets too thick add some hot boiled water.
- In a clean frying pan, fry the onions, peppers and pineapple chunks until heated through (about 2 minutes). Add the cooked fish and sauce and mix through before serving. Enjoy with rice quinoa or noodles.