Air-Fried Trout: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook food quickly and with minimal oil. They are a great option for cooking fish, especially trout, which is a freshwater fish that is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. Air fryer trout is a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner option that can be customised with different seasonings and spices. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist, flaky, and tender on the inside.

Air fryer rainbow trout cooking time

Air fryer rainbow trout is a quick and delicious meal that can be cooked in under 15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillet, with thinner fillets from Trader Joe's taking around 6 minutes to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and thicker fillets taking an additional 2-3 minutes.

Before cooking, it is recommended to pat the trout fillets dry with paper towels. This will help to absorb any excess moisture and make the skin crispy. You can then drizzle olive oil over the trout and rub it into the surface, before seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried oregano or other herbs. If you want to get creative, you can try a blend of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, along with salt and black pepper to taste.

Next, brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Place the trout in the basket, skin-side down, and lay slices of lemon over the top. You can now air fry your trout at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flaky. If your trout is frozen, you can cook it from frozen, but it is recommended to thaw it first according to the package directions.

Air fryer rainbow trout is a foolproof recipe that is quick and easy to make, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal. The trout comes out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a moist and flaky texture. It is a great option for a weeknight dinner, paired with easy sides like sautéed arugula, air fryer leeks, or instant pot jasmine rice.

Air fryer trout seasoning

Air-fried trout is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook trout. The trout cooks quickly in the air fryer and is easy to customize with different seasonings and spices.

Preparing the Trout

Before seasoning the trout, clean the fillets and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This will help the olive oil and seasonings adhere better and make the skin nice and crispy. It is recommended to use fillets that are similar in size so they cook evenly.

Seasoning the Trout

A drizzle of olive oil will help the seasonings stick to the trout. You can also use avocado oil. For seasoning, you can use a blend of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, along with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also use a seafood rub, such as Red Lobster Seafood Seasoning, Magic Seafood Seasoning, or Old Bay. Alternatively, taco seasoning or fajita seasoning works great too. If you want to use dried herbs, za'atar seasoning, herb de Provence, or Italian seasoning would be delicious. For a different spice, you can use dried harissa powder or dried sumac.

Cooking the Trout

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F if your model requires it. Place the seasoned trout skin-side down in the air fryer tray. If you want, brush or spray the trout with oil, but it is not necessary. Air fry the trout for 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked and flaky inside with a crispy skin. The trout is perfectly cooked when it's fork-tender, which means that it will easily flake apart with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for 145°F.

Serving the Trout

Serve the trout immediately, squeezing fresh lemon or lime juice over it. Trout goes well with a variety of side dishes, including starchy or veggie options. It is also fantastic in tacos or with salsa or relish.

Air fryer trout temperature

Air-fried trout makes a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. The air fryer is a great way to cook trout as it comes out tender, flaky, and juicy on the inside, and flavourful on the outside.

To cook trout in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer does not require preheating, you will need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Place the trout fillets in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. If you like, you can brush or spray the basket with oil to prevent the fish from sticking. It is recommended to leave the skin on as it will come off easily after the trout is cooked.

Arrange the fillets in a single layer, leaving some space between each one. You can also cut the fillets into 1-1.5-inch pieces to make trout bites. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and rub in your choice of seasoning. You can use a blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, or a seafood seasoning.

Air fry the trout for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 63°C/145°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the power of your air fryer. The trout is done when it is fork-tender, which means it will easily flake apart with a fork. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Once the trout is fully cooked, serve it warm with your favourite sides. Trout goes well with a variety of side dishes, including starchy and veggie options. It is also delicious with a fruity relish or salsa.

Air fryer trout with skin

To cook trout with skin in an air fryer, start by patting the trout fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important, as it helps to create a crispy texture. You can also use a slotted fish spatula to transfer the trout fillets in and out of the air fryer. If you want to add olive oil, now is the time to do so—drizzle it over the fillets and rub it into the surface.

Next, it's time to season the trout. You can use a blend of spices such as paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, or get creative with your own favourite seasonings. Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasoning and really rub it into the trout. If your air fryer basket needs it, you can brush or spray it with oil to prevent sticking.

Now, you're ready to place the trout in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. If your trout has skin on one side, it's best to cook it skin-side down to get a nice, crispy texture. You can also lay lemon slices over the trout for added flavour. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, or until the trout is cooked through and flaky. Thicker fillets may take an additional 2-3 minutes, so keep an eye on them.

Once the trout is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley. Squeeze some lemon juice over the fillets, and serve with your favourite sides. Enjoy!

Air fryer trout sides

Air fryer trout is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in under 15 minutes. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with various side dishes, depending on your preferences. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with your air fryer trout:

Vegetables

You can cook vegetables in the air fryer alongside the trout or separately. Some options include:

• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Roasted vegetables (such as young potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower)
• Crispy potato wedges

Starchy Sides

If you're looking for something more filling, consider pairing your trout with:

• Rice or quinoa
• Pasta (such as fettuccine)
• Tortillas or lettuce wraps for trout tacos

Salads and Relishes

For a lighter option, serve your trout with a salad or relish:

• Coleslaw or broccoli kale slaw salad
• Fruity relish or salsa, such as mango salsa, roasted tomatillo salsa, or pineapple black bean salsa

Other Options

• Scallops
• Italian sausage
• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Lettuce leaves

Frequently asked questions