Air-Fried Monkfish: A Healthy, Quick, And Tasty Treat

Monkfish is a delicious treat that is commonly found on restaurant menus and in French cuisine. It is known for its dense and meaty texture, which makes it ideal for cooking in an air fryer. In this article, we will explore the topic of cooking monkfish in an air fryer, including preparation tips, cooking times, and serving suggestions. We will also discuss the benefits of using an air fryer to cook monkfish and provide a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the best results. So, can you cook monkfish in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, and the following paragraphs will delve into the details of this tasty dish.

Monkfish preparation

Monkfish has a sweet and mild flavour and is very easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. It has a dense and meaty texture, which means it won't fall apart when cooked in the air fryer.

To prepare your monkfish, start by inspecting the fish for any sinew or impurities, and remove these to ensure a clean taste. Next, cut the monkfish into cubes. You can then coat the monkfish in a variety of ways before air frying. One option is to coat the cubes in a mixture of melted butter, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper, and olive oil. Another option is to create a batter by dipping the cubes in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before air frying. If you want to add a little spice, season the flour with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

When you're ready to cook the monkfish, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) or 390°F, depending on the recipe. Place the monkfish cubes in the air fryer, leaving enough space between them to ensure even cooking. Cook for a total of 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you're cooking the monkfish with potato wedges, add the monkfish to the air fryer when the wedges are halfway done.

Once the monkfish is cooked, serve it with lemon or lime wedges, and your favourite dip or sauce. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking monkfish in an air fryer depend on the size of the monkfish pieces and whether you are cooking it with other ingredients.

If you are cooking monkfish bites, cut the monkfish fillets into 1/2-inch pieces and cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of about 10 minutes, flipping the fish pieces halfway through.

If you are cooking larger pieces of monkfish fillets, coat them in a garlic butter sauce and cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. The time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fish—the internal temperature of fully cooked fish should be at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are cooking monkfish alongside potato wedges, first add the potatoes to the air fryer and cook them at 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes before adding the monkfish. Cook the monkfish for about 10 minutes, and then turn off the air fryer and start plating. This way, both the wedges and fish will be hot and fresh.

Making a sauce

To make a sauce for your monkfish, you will need butter, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.

First, melt the butter in the microwave for around 20 seconds. Next, prepare the aromatics: crush and finely mince a clove of garlic, and chop the thyme to release its flavour. Now, combine the seasonings: mix the garlic and thyme with the melted butter, adding half a teaspoon of salt and a generous helping of pepper. Finally, add half a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.

Once you have coated your monkfish cubes in this sauce, use any remaining sauce to baste the fish both at the beginning and midway through frying, ensuring maximum flavour.

For a zesty note, squeeze a bit of lime juice over the cooked monkfish before serving. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice, or serve with lemon wedges.

Cooking potatoes

Yes, you can cook monkfish in an air fryer, and it is recommended to serve it with potatoes cooked in the same way.

First, wash the potatoes, especially if you are leaving the skin on. Then, slice the potatoes into wedges, as this shape provides a good surface area for crispiness. Next, toss the potato wedges with olive oil and coat them well. You can also use an oil spray. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, and other seasonings of your choice, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or parmesan cheese.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) or 400°F, depending on your recipe. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip or toss the potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, or chopped sweet peppers and onions, if desired.

Your potatoes are now ready to be served with the monkfish, or any other main dish of your choice.

Storing and reheating

Storing cooked monkfish in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the monkfish in aluminium foil before placing it in an airtight container.

When it comes to reheating, there are a few options. You can reheat the monkfish in the microwave for about a minute, in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes, in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat, or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes. If you're reheating from frozen, allow the monkfish to thaw in the refrigerator first.

It's worth noting that some people are hesitant to reheat fish due to its strong odour and the potential for it to dry out. However, with proper storage and reheating methods, it is possible to enjoy leftover monkfish.

For sous vide cooking, the storage time can be extended if the monkfish is cooled and stored unopened in its cooking bag. This method can preserve the monkfish for much longer than the usual use-by times for cooked food.

Frequently asked questions