Air Fryer Walleye is a healthy alternative to butter-fried preparations with a clever low-carb crust that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Walleye is prized in the land of 10,000 lakes - it’s light, mild-flavored, delightfully flaky, and not too fussy to prepare. It’s a lovely fillet that is best prepared simply, like by sauteeing in butter. Or coated in cracker crumbs and fried in butter.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to the fried-in-butter route, Air Fryer Walleye is THE way to go. You can opt for a cracker crumb coating of your choosing, or do as I did and use pork rinds.
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- I was optimistic that this would be good but it far exceeded my expectations. I used hot pork rinds because I like some zing and it didn’t overpower the flavor at all. One note for those like me who have an air fryer function on their oven — because an oven is so much bigger than a counter top fryer, the cooking takes longer. I cooked two filets for 15 minutes and they were delicious! - Craig (an Air Fryer Walleye aficionado!)
- My Air Fryer - Ninja Foodi XL
- How to Make Air Fryer Walleye - Ingredients
- How to Make Air Fryer Walleye - Instructions
- Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Recent Recipes on Midwexican
- Air Fryer Walleye
Why pork rinds?
Pork rinds are salty, delicious, and low-carb. Since pork rinds are plenty salty on their own, you probably won’t need to add salt. You can also use flavored pork rinds or add a few seasonings to punch up the flavor. I kept it simple and added garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
I was optimistic that this would be good but it far exceeded my expectations. I used hot pork rinds because I like some zing and it didn’t overpower the flavor at all. One note for those like me who have an air fryer function on their oven — because an oven is so much bigger than a counter top fryer, the cooking takes longer. I cooked two filets for 15 minutes and they were delicious! - Craig (an Air Fryer Walleye aficionado!)
Thanks Craig! And thank you for pointing out that the cooking instructions differed for you because you have an air fryer function in your oven vs. the countertop air fryer model I used in the recipe :).
My Air Fryer - Ninja Foodi XL
The Treasure Truck got me. I saw this Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven discounted on Amazon's Treasure Truck and had to have it. It's been worth every penny.
This Ninja Foodi Double Oven is what I have my eye on should I ever need to upgrade air fryers.
One of the first things I made in it was this Pork Enchilada Hot Dish and I have to say, the broiler function is money.
How to Make Air Fryer Walleye - Ingredients
To make crispy walleye in the air fryer you will need the following ingredients:
- walleye fillets
- large egg
- small bag of pork rinds (I used Old Dutch)
- garlic powder
- cayenne pepper
- lemon, cut into 8 wedges (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Walleye - Instructions
Preparing this Air Fryer Walleye is super quick and easy. Crush some pork rinds - plan on using a 3-ounce bag for 4 good-sized fish fillets. I add the pork rinds to a gallon bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Then I add whatever seasonings I’m feeling to the crushed pork rinds, shake to combine, add pour onto a plate. An egg is necessary to get the coating to stick. So after whipping up a large egg, you’re ready to coat that walleye.
Dip each fillet in the egg, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each fillet in the crushed pork rinds and you’re ready to air fry!
Fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Flip halfway through, if desired, though not necessary. I don’t usually bother flipping as I don’t want to risk disturbing the coating.
Serve with fresh lemon wedges.
If you enjoy this Air Fryer Walleye recipe, you should check out these Walleye Fish Tacos.
Or one of these fantastic condiments:
Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza makes a super easy snack that makes my inner child happy
- This Mini Naan Pizza recipe was made for the Air Fryer!
- Air Fryer Adobo Chicken is bold and flavorful and incredibly juicy
- Why Air Fryer Nachos? To get them into your mouth faster! Quicker than the oven for sure!
- Air Fryer Pickle Spears are incredibly delicious and lighter than deep fried preparations
- You can even achieve Crispy Air Fryer Tacos courtesy of your air fryer!
Recent Recipes on Midwexican
Air Fryer Walleye
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 walleye fillets
- 1 large egg
- 1 3 ounce bag of pork rinds I used Old Dutch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Crush the pork rinds into crumbs. I pour them into a gallon bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until nice and crumbly.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the gallon bag of pork rind crumbs and shake to combine. Pour the pork rind crumbs onto a plate.
- Crack an egg into a bowl and whisk until the white and yolk are combined.
- Dip a walleye fillet into the whisked eggs, making sure both sides get coated. Let the excess egg drip off.
- Dredge the walleye fillet in pork rind crumbs, making sure to completely coat on both sides.
- Spray a bit of cooking spray on the rack in your air fryer to ensure the fillets don’t stick.
- Put the walleye fillets on the air fryer rack (IMPORTANT, read notes*). Repeat with the remaining fillets.
- Fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes. You can flip halfway through cooking, if desired, though I found I didn't need to.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Bryan
I too used spicy pork rinds however I added plain panko bread crumbs. I was concerned about the spicy rinds being over powering. This was absolutely perfect just enough kick & the crunch was great. I have an air fryer that has doors & 2 trays. I set at 400 for 12 minutes & rotated the trays half way through. Turned out great.
Christina Koncker
Thanks so much for sharing your variation with the spicy pork rinds, it sounds great! I'm so happy the recipe turned out great for you!
Craig Engwall
I was optimistic that this would be good but it far exceeded my expectations. I used hot pork rinds because I like some zing and it didn’t overpower the flavor at all. One note for those like me who have an air fryer function on their oven — because an oven is so much bigger than a counter top fryer, the cooking takes longer. I cooked two filets for 15 minutes and they were delicious!
spiceoflife
Lovely and comprehensive article. Will love to read these food blogs patiently and make my own writings better.
I write my own food blog and the learnings from this article will surely allow me to become better.