Air Fryer Oysters: A Healthy Frying Option?

Air fryer oysters are a delicious, crispy, and healthy alternative to deep-fried oysters. They are easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or a meal. You can use fresh or canned oysters, and the preparation and cooking time is minimal. This article will explore the process of making air-fried oysters, the ingredients and tools required, and some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect result.

How to prepare oysters for air frying

Preparing oysters for air frying is a simple process, but it does require a few steps to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare oysters for air frying:

Cleaning and Shucking the Oysters

Start by rinsing the oysters under cold running water to remove any debris or dirt. Then, use a knife to carefully shuck them by inserting the knife into the hinge and twisting to pry open the shell. Detach the meat from the shell by gently sliding the knife along the inside and remove any shell pieces.

Coating and Seasoning

Prepare three bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, combine flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk an egg with milk. In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs (you can use regular or panko breadcrumbs). You can also season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, or other spices and herbs, if desired.

Dredging and Coating the Oysters

Dredge the oysters in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, and finally, roll them in the breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating. Gently press the coating onto the oysters so that it adheres well.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (depending on your preference and the recipe you are following). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Oysters

Place the oysters in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the oysters with cooking spray and air fry for 4 minutes. Then, flip the oysters, spray again with cooking oil, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Your oysters are now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can serve them with various dipping sauces, such as lemon juice, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air-frying oysters is a quick and easy way to cook them, taking significantly less time than cooking them on a stovetop. In general, it takes between 7 and 10 minutes to cook oysters in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the cooking method and temperature.

When cooking breaded oysters, you should air fry them for 8 minutes in total at 350°F (177°C). There is no need to preheat the air fryer or flip the oysters. However, you should let them cool for 2 minutes before serving.

If you are cooking frozen breaded oysters, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the oysters for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through. Check the internal temperature of the oysters to ensure they have reached 145°F (63°C).

For unbreaded oysters, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Jiggle the basket halfway through to ensure consistent cooking.

When reheating cooked oysters, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and cook for 3 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, so it is always a good idea to check the food early the first time you try a new recipe.

How to make air fryer oysters keto-friendly

Air-fried oysters are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried oysters. And the good news is, you can make this dish keto-friendly with a simple swap of ingredients.

Ingredients

• Oysters (canned, fresh, or jarred)
• Lemon wedges and/or cocktail sauce for serving
• Egg
• Old Bay seasoning
• Pork rind crumbs (or crushed pork rinds)
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• Flour
• Cajun seasoning
• Cornmeal
• Milk
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Non-stick cooking spray

Method:

Step One: Shuck and rinse the oysters and let them drain in a colander. Pat the oysters dry with paper towels.

Step Two: In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and Old Bay seasoning. Whisk together.

In a separate bowl, combine the pork rind crumbs, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step Three: Place the oysters in the egg mixture and stir to coat well. Carefully lift the oysters out of the egg mixture with a fork and place them in the bowl of herbed crumbs. Stir to coat each oyster.

Step Four: Place the coated oysters in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Try to space them out as much as possible for even cooking. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Step Five: Air fry the oysters for a total of 8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no need to preheat the air fryer or flip the oysters.

Step Six: Let the oysters cool for 2 minutes before serving with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• If using fresh oysters, check with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
• You can also bread the oysters with a mixture of almond flour and parmesan cheese instead of pork rind crumbs.
• Rinse fresh oysters in saltwater to retain their salty flavor.
• Frozen oysters can be cooked in the air fryer, but they should be thawed first.
• To reheat, place the oysters in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

How to reheat air fryer oysters

Air fryer oysters are a delicious treat, but what's the best way to reheat them? Well, it's pretty simple. First, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While that's heating up, take your oysters out of the fridge and lay them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give them a light spray with some cooking spray—this will help ensure they get nice and crispy again.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to cook the oysters. Air fry them for 3 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This should ensure they are warmed through. You can serve them with a squeeze of lemon or a dipping sauce like tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.

There you have it! A quick and easy way to reheat your air fryer oysters so they taste just as delicious as when they were first cooked.

What to serve with air fryer oysters

Air fryer oysters are a delicious treat for seafood lovers. They are crispy, light, and perfectly breaded. You can serve them as an appetizer or a full meal.

Dipping Sauces

• Lemon juice
• Hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco sauce)
• Your favorite dipping sauce

Sides

• Roasted air fryer carrots
• Air fryer broccoli parmesan
• Tater tots
• A grain, like rice or quinoa

Frequently asked questions