Prepare the breading stations: Start by setting up three shallow bowls to make breading the fish easy and mess-free. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well until smooth and fully combined. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Stir well so the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry using paper towels. This step is important because removing excess moisture helps the breading stick better and makes the fish crispier in the air fryer. If the fillets are large, cut them into even-sized portions so they cook evenly.
Bread the fish: Take one piece of fish and lightly coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure the entire surface is covered. Finally, press the fish into the seasoned breadcrumbs, gently pressing so the coating sticks well. Repeat this process with all the fish pieces and place them on a plate while you finish breading.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the breading start crisping immediately when the fish goes in.
Air fry the fish: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded fish in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them turn golden and crispy. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through cooking and spraying the other side lightly. The fish should be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and flaky on the inside.
Serve: Carefully remove the fish from the air fryer and let it rest for 1–2 minutes. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, and enjoy the crispy coating and tender fish inside.