Air-Frying Smelt: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Smelt is a small fish found in the Great Lakes of North America and the northern European seas. It is similar in size and taste to sardines and anchovies. While pan-frying is the recommended method of cooking smelt, it can be messy and time-consuming. Air frying is a healthier and more convenient alternative, as it uses less oil and produces a crispy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned dish. You can cook smelt in an air fryer in under 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for any night of the week.

Air fryer smelt recipe

Ingredients

• Smelt (fresh or frozen)
• Flour (regular or gluten-free)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oil spray (avocado oil, olive oil, or another plant-based oil)
• Lemon wedges
• Optional: breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, rosemary, dill, or other herbs and spices

Method

• If your smelt is frozen, thaw it first.
• Clean the smelt by making a slit in the belly and gently removing the guts. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
• Optionally, remove the head. This step is recommended if the fish is larger than 6 inches.
• Pat the smelt dry with paper towels.
• Prepare a dredging mixture with flour, salt, and pepper in a large zip lock bag. Optionally, add breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and other herbs and spices.
• Place the smelt in the bag, seal, and shake until the fish is evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (204°C). This should take about 3 minutes.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the smelt in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or overcrowd.
• Lightly spray oil on each fish.
• Cook for 7-10 minutes at 390°F (204°C) or 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C), turning the smelt halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• To check if the smelt is cooked, use an instant meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is at least 145°F (63°C).
• When ready to serve, spritz with fresh lemon juice and pair with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips

• If you prefer a low-carb option, omit the flour.
• For a vegan alternative, use a plant-based oil and substitute the flour with chickpea flour or another vegan option.
• If you want extra crunch, substitute half of the flour with panko breadcrumbs.
• For a richer flavor, use melted butter mixed with herbs like parsley and chives instead of olive oil.

Preparing the smelt

Once your smelt is cleaned, it's important to pat it dry. This step helps the flour adhere better and results in a crispier texture. Next, place the smelt in a large zip lock bag. Add flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder to the bag. Seal the bag and shake well until all the fish are coated. You can also experiment with other seasonings, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, to add a bit of heat. Knock off any excess flour before placing the fish in the air fryer.

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 390°F-400°F (this should take about 3 minutes). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking. You can also use a paper towel dipped in oil if you prefer. Place the smelt in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or overcrowd, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Now you are ready to cook your smelt! Set the timer for 7-10 minutes, or up to 20 minutes depending on the recipe and your desired level of crispiness. There is no need to flip the fish during cooking, but for the best results, turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Your smelt are ready when they are a beautiful golden brown colour and crispy.

Air fryer settings

Smelt can be cooked in an air fryer, and it is a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it uses a fraction of the oil. The air fryer is also faster and more convenient, and you don't have to deal with an oily mess.

To cook smelt in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375-390°F (some sources suggest 400°F). This should take about 3 minutes. Place the smelt in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket. Spray the fish with a light coating of oil spray, such as avocado oil or olive oil, to help them get crispy. You can also add spices to the fish before cooking to change up the flavor profile. For example, chili powder, paprika, or smoked paprika, dill, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, or Mexican seasonings.

Cook the fish for 7-10 minutes, or until they are crispy. There is no need to flip the fish during cooking. Make sure the internal temperature of the fish reaches at least 145°F. Use an instant meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the fish.

If you have any leftover air fryer smelt, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the smelt back in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 2 minutes or until heated through.

Cooking the smelt

Firstly, you will need to clean the smelt. If you can find pre-cleaned smelt, it will save you time. If not, make a slit in the belly to the tail, gently pull out the guts, and rinse thoroughly. If the fish is larger than 6 inches, remove the head. Smaller fish can keep their heads if you wish. Dry the fish with a paper towel and generously salt.

Next, dredge the smelt in flour, knocking off any excess. You can add other seasonings to the flour, such as black pepper, salt, and garlic powder, or use seasoned breadcrumbs. Don't pre-dredge the fish, as they will absorb more flour the longer they sit. Place the fish in a large zip lock bag with your chosen seasonings, seal and shake until the fish are evenly coated.

Now, lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking. Place the smelt in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap or overcrowd, and set the air fryer to 390-400°F. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or 20 minutes if cooking at a lower temperature, turning the smelt halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once cooked, remove the smelt from the air fryer and serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Smelt is a versatile dish that can be served as a quick snack, an appetizer, or a main course. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious and crispy fish:

As a Snack

Smelt cooked in an air fryer makes a great, healthy snack that's ready in under 20 minutes. The fish has a crunchy texture and a unique flavour, making it an interesting and tasty option for a quick bite. You can also dip the fish in your favourite sauces, such as tartar sauce, aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.

As an Appetizer

Air-fried smelt can be an excellent starter for a meal or a gathering. Its distinct flavour and texture will impress your guests and add an interesting twist to your appetizer spread. Serve it with a variety of dipping sauces and a fresh green salad for a light and healthy start to your meal.

As a Main Course

You can serve air-fried smelt as a delicious and healthy main course. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a side of crispy French fries to make it a satisfying and well-rounded meal. If you're serving it with sides, consider cooking a larger portion of smelt, so it becomes the focal point of the dish.

As Finger Food

Deep-fried smelt is perfect for finger food, and you can achieve a similar effect with an air fryer. This cooking method gives the fish a crispy, crunchy texture, making it ideal for picking up and eating with your hands. Serve the smelt with a variety of dips and sauces to elevate this tasty finger food option.

Storage and Reheating

It is important to note that leftover air-fried smelt can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the smelt back in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions