Air-Fried Trout: The Perfect Timing For A Delicious Dish

Air fryer trout is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. The air fryer seals in the moisture, leaving the inside flaky and moist. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets and the power of your air fryer, but on average, it takes 8-12 minutes to cook trout in an air fryer.

How to cook frozen trout in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen trout fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon
• Your choice of seasoning

Method

• Rinse the frozen trout fillets under the tap to deglaze them.
• Pat the fillets dry with kitchen paper.
• Brush the fillets with olive oil.
• Season the fillets with salt and pepper, and any other seasoning of your choice.
• Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the skin side down.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F/200°C and air fry for 10-12 minutes.
• The trout is cooked when it is tender and flakes easily with a fork. It will be firm to the touch and the skin will be crispy.

Tips

• You can eat the trout with the skin on or off. If you choose to eat the skin, ensure it has been descaled and cleaned. Place the trout in the air fryer with the skin side down.
• You can use any seasoning of your choice.
• No need to preheat the air fryer.
• No need to flip the fish.

How to serve trout

There are many ways to serve trout, and it is a very versatile dish. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes

Trout is commonly served with the following side dishes:

• Lemon slices: A classic accompaniment to trout, a squeeze of lemon can add a refreshing zing to the dish.
• Potatoes: Whether roasted, mashed, or in the form of fries, potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with trout. For a fancier option, consider making potato and zucchini fritters.
• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. You can also try serving trout with a vegetable sauté or roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
• Salads: A fresh salad can complement the flavours of trout nicely. Try a rainbow salad with a maple dijon dressing, or a mango avocado salad with cilantro, green onions, and bell peppers.
• Grains: Quinoa or rice can add some extra substance to your meal. For a gluten-free option, consider buckwheat, which can be used in salads or as a side dish.

Sauces and Seasonings

To enhance the flavour of your trout, consider serving it with a delicious sauce or seasoning:

• Garlic lemon butter herb sauce: A simple yet delicious option is to cook the trout in a skillet with olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, white wine, and fresh parsley.
• Relishes and salsas: Trout goes well with fruity relishes or salsas, such as a pineapple black bean salsa or apricot tomato relish.
• Spices and herbs: Season your trout with a blend of garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, or try other herbs like parsley or coriander.
• Mustard and horseradish: These classic condiments pair well with trout and can be served on the side or used in sauces or dips.

Other Serving Ideas

• Tacos and wraps: Trout tacos or wraps are a fun and tasty option, especially when paired with a mango salsa.
• Sandwiches: Flake the trout with a fork and mix it with some mayonnaise for a simple yet delicious sandwich filling.
• Fish cakes: Mix flaked trout with mashed potatoes and other ingredients to form patties, then fry or bake them.
• Chowder: Create a hearty chowder by adding flaked trout and diced sautéed vegetables to chicken broth and milk.
• Pasta: Toss flaked trout with your favourite type of pasta and vegetables, and garnish with capers or caper berries.

How to know when trout is cooked

When cooking trout in an air fryer, there are several ways to know when the fish is cooked. Firstly, the internal temperature of the trout should reach 145°F / 63°C. Using a digital meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the trout has reached the correct temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, there are other ways to tell if your trout is cooked.

One way is to use a fork to gently twist a small piece of flesh at the thickest point of the trout. If the trout is cooked, the flesh will flake easily and be firm, rather than translucent and soft. The colour of cooked trout will be pale pink, rather than the deep pink colour of raw trout, although it's worth noting that farm-raised trout will be much paler than wild-caught trout.

Another way to check if your trout is cooked is to gently press your index finger into the trout. If it is cooked, it should have a similar amount of give as the tip of your nose.

It's worth noting that it is very difficult to overcook trout in an air fryer, as the air fryer seals in the juices. However, if you do overcook the trout, it may become dry and tough. To avoid this, check the trout regularly during the cooking process, especially if you are cooking it for longer than the recommended time.

How to store and reheat trout

Trout is a delicate fish with a mild flavour and a tender, flaky texture. To store trout, it is important to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days. Freezing trout may affect its flavour and texture, but it can be an option if you need to keep it longer.

When reheating trout, it is crucial to handle it gently and avoid high temperatures to prevent overcooking. Here are some recommended methods for reheating:

Oven:

Preheat your oven to 275-350°F (do not exceed 350°F). Place the trout on a baking sheet or dish, covering it loosely with foil if it is unbreaded. For breaded or battered trout, leave it uncovered to retain crispiness, but be aware that this may result in moisture loss. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, flipping the fish every 5 minutes to ensure even heating.

Toaster Oven:

Toaster ovens are ideal for reheating battered and fried trout. Preheat the toaster oven to 275-350°F and cover the trout with foil before placing it inside. Continuously monitor the trout and remove it once it reaches your desired temperature.

Stovetop or Skillet:

If you are comfortable with a potential fishy smell, a stovetop or skillet can be used to reheat fried trout. Heat the skillet on low, add oil, and then place the trout inside. Check the trout every 3 minutes to prevent overcooking and flip as little as possible to avoid flaking.

Air Fryer:

Load your trout into the air fryer basket and spritz or brush it with olive oil. Air fry at 320°F for 4 minutes, then increase the heat to 360°F and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Use a thermometer to check for doneness; the centre of the trout should reach a temperature of at least 145°F. Avoid preheating the air fryer to prevent overcooking.

Frying Pan:

For a crispy texture, shallow fry the trout in a frying pan over a low-medium flame. Coat the pan with oil and heat it for several minutes. Shallow fry the trout for 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on its thickness. Wrap the cooked trout in a kitchen towel to absorb excess oil and place it on a paper towel-lined dish to remove any remaining grease.

Regardless of the reheating method, always cover the trout to retain moisture and prevent fishy odours. Additionally, avoid using the microwave, as it tends to dry out and overcook the fish.

Tips for making air-fried trout

Prepare the trout

First, clean and pat the trout dry with paper towels. If your trout has skin, it's best to cook it with the skin side down in the air fryer basket or tray. This will help the skin to crisp up.

Seasoning

You can use a variety of seasonings on your trout, such as seafood rub, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, black pepper, salt, olive oil, or lemon slices. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then brush the seasoning mix all over the trout fillets, covering all sides.

Air fryer settings

Set your air fryer to around 400°F/200°C. Air fry the trout for 8-12 minutes, or until it's cooked to your liking. The trout is done when it's tender and flaky on the inside, with a crispy skin. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C.

Frozen trout

You can cook frozen trout in the air fryer, but it will take longer than fresh trout. Rinse the frozen trout under the tap to deglaze it, then pat it dry and brush with seasoning. Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried trout goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or salad. You can also use the trout in fish tacos or as a sandwich filling.

Storing and reheating

Air-fried trout can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, use the air fryer, oven, or microwave until heated through.

Frequently asked questions