Air-Frying Whole Fish: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Method?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular for cooking fish, and for good reason. They can cook whole fish to perfection, with a crispy skin and juicy, flaky flesh. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air evenly around the fish means it cooks quickly and with very little oil, resulting in a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish. The air fryer also eliminates the mess of traditional frying methods, making it an appealing option for those who want a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook fish.

How to prepare a whole fish for the air fryer

Preparing a whole fish for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, you will need to clean and pat the fish dry. Some sources recommend trimming the fins with scissors and making diagonal cuts about 1.5 inches apart on both sides of the fish. This can help the seasoning penetrate the fish and create a crispy exterior.

Next, season the fish. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and red chili flakes. You can also stuff the cavity with garlic cloves, thyme leaves, and lemon slices for added flavor. If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, you can make a wet rub by mixing olive oil, lime juice, jerk seasoning paste, and seafood seasoning. Apply the wet rub generously to the fish, including the cavity, and let it marinate for up to 2 hours or even overnight.

Once the fish is seasoned, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures that the fish doesn't stick to the basket and makes it easier to lift the fish out once it's cooked.

Finally, place the whole fish in the air fryer basket and set the temperature and timer according to the recipe you are following. Most recipes recommend cooking the fish at around 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing a delicious and healthy air-fried whole fish!

The best types of fish to cook in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook a whole fish in an air fryer. It is a great alternative to deep frying, as it is healthier and easier to make, and it gives the fish a delicious golden crust. It is also a good way to cook fish fillets, as the air fryer can cook the fish quickly and evenly, with very little oil.

When cooking a whole fish in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fish for 25-30 minutes. The internal temperature of the fish should be at least 145°F (63°C) when it is done. You can season the fish with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice, and spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray before placing the fish inside.

• Salmon: Salmon is a delicate fish that cooks well in an air fryer. It can be baked in the oven with seasoning or cooked as fillets in the air fryer.
• Branzino: This fish pairs well with cilantro lime rice and roasted asparagus. It can be cooked in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.
• Bream: Bream fish can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy texture without the need for deep-fat frying.
• Parrotfish: Parrotfish can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy texture without the need for deep-fat frying.
• Mackerel: Mackerel can be cooked in an air fryer and is commonly enjoyed in Caribbean cuisine.
• Cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi: These are moderately thin, white, and flaky fish that cook well in an air fryer. They can be fresh or thawed frozen.

When cooking fish fillets in an air fryer, it is recommended to cut the fish into strips, dip them in flour and egg, and then coat them with a breadcrumb mixture. The fish can then be cooked in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Air fryer settings and cooking times for whole fish

Firstly, it is important to prepare your fish. Wash and clean the fish in lemon, lime, vinegar, or salt. You can also trim off the dorsal and pectoral fins with kitchen scissors. Use a sharp knife to make 3-4 diagonal scores, leaving a 3-4cm gap between each line on each side of the fish. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can cause the fish to become mushy. You can then season the fish with salt, pepper, rosemary, dill, or red chili flakes. You can also add a high-heat cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil.

When you are ready to cook the fish, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (375-400 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your air fryer model). Place some parchment paper in the basket, which will make it easier to lift the fish out. Then, place the fish in the basket and cook for 14-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. For crispier skin, cook the fish for around 16 minutes. You can also add vegetables to the basket about 10 minutes before finishing.

For a breaded fish, dip the fillets into an egg wash and then into a bread crumb mixture. You can also add cornmeal, seasoned salt, and pepper to the mixture. Place the fish in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For thinner fillets, cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through. For thicker fillets, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

How to get the perfect crispy skin on an air-fried whole fish

Air-frying a whole fish is a great alternative to deep-frying, yielding a crispy exterior and soft interior without the use of excessive oil. Here are some tips to achieve the perfect crispy skin on an air-fried whole fish:

Preparation:

Before air-frying, ensure your fish is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Use kitchen scissors to trim off the dorsal and pectoral fins, then use a sharp knife to make 3-4 diagonal scores on each side of the fish, about 3-4 cm apart. This will help the heat penetrate the fish more evenly and promote crisping. You can also season the fish with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, both on the surface and inside the cavity.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place parchment paper or a liner in the basket and then put the fish inside. Air fry for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C). To ensure even cooking, you may need to turn the fish over halfway through the cooking process, using a spatula to prevent it from breaking apart.

Achieving Crispy Skin:

The key to achieving crispy skin is a combination of temperature and moisture control. Firstly, ensure your air fryer is properly preheated to achieve a hot surface that promotes crisping. Secondly, manage moisture by thoroughly drying the fish with paper towels before cooking. Excess moisture on the skin can lead to steaming instead of crisping, resulting in a soft and soggy texture.

Serving:

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can pair it with sides like cilantro lime rice, roasted asparagus, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the crispy skin and juicy interior of your perfectly cooked air-fried whole fish!

What to serve with a whole fish cooked in an air fryer

Air-fried whole fish is a great alternative to deep-fried fish. It is healthier, easier to make, and gives the fish a delicious golden crust. The skin gets perfectly crispy, and the flesh is flaky and flavorful. You can serve air-fried whole fish with a variety of sides, including:

• Rice: Cilantro lime rice, mackerel and rice, or plain rice.
• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus (maybe wrapped in bacon), or steamed vegetables.
• Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with your favorite vegetables.
• Potatoes: Fries or potato salad.
• Seafood: Spanish paella with shrimp, chorizo, and chicken.
• Meat: Bacon.

You can also serve the fish with a sauce, such as tartar sauce, or lemon wedges to spritz over the fish.

Frequently asked questions