The Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Walleye Recipe
This crispy air fryer walleye is the perfect way to enjoy tender, flaky fish with a golden parmesan crust—without deep frying. It’s fast, flavorful, and protein-packed, making it ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a lighter comfort meal.
Ingredients
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1 lb walleye (2 fillets)
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¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
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¼ cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
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1 egg
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon onion powder
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 lemon (for serving)
Instructions
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Thaw the walleye completely if frozen. Remove the skin if needed and cut each fillet in half.
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Pat the fillets dry on both sides with paper towels. This step is key for a crispy coating.
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Crack the egg into one shallow bowl and whisk well.
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In a second bowl, combine the parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Dip each fillet into the egg, fully coating it, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
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Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cook in batches if necessary.
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Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Make sure the fish is very dry before breading.
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Finely grated parmesan works best for even browning.
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Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—airflow is everything.
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For thicker fillets, add 1–2 extra minutes of cook time.