Air-Fryer Smelt: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Smelt is a small fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a tender texture, making it a great option for frying. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook smelt, consider using an air fryer. Not only is it a healthier option, but it's also less messy and requires less oil than traditional frying methods. With an air fryer, you can have tasty, crispy smelts ready in under 20 minutes! In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicious, golden brown smelts in your air fryer.

Characteristics and Values table for cooking smelt in an air fryer

Gutting and cleaning the smelt

If your smelt are not pre-cleaned and gutted, you will need to do this before air frying. Firstly, make a slit in the belly of the fish and gently pull out the guts, being careful not to tear them and spill the contents. Rinse the smelt thoroughly with cool water to ensure no remnants are left inside the cavity. If the fish is larger than 6 inches, it is recommended to remove the head, but this is optional for smaller fish.

Once the fish have been gutted and rinsed, pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the flour coating adhere better, resulting in a crispier texture when fried. It is also important to ensure the fish are thoroughly dry before adding any oil or flour, as this can affect the final texture.

After patting the fish dry, you can move on to the next step of dredging the smelt in flour. Working with a few fish at a time, add flour to a Ziploc bag and place the smelt inside, shaking to coat them evenly. You can also add other dry ingredients to the bag at this stage, such as seasoned breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Once the fish are coated, shake off any excess flour from each smelt. This step is crucial as too much flour can result in a soggy, unevenly cooked fish. Now your smelt are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked to crispy perfection!

Preparing the coating

Firstly, ensure your smelt is cleaned and gutted. Make a slit in the belly of the fish, extending to the tail, and gently remove the guts. Rinse the fish thoroughly with cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the coating adhere better to the fish.

Next, prepare your coating mixture. Place some flour into a large zip-lock bag, and add your desired seasonings. Classic choices include salt and pepper, but you can also experiment with garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. You can also add breadcrumbs to the mixture for an extra crispy texture. If you like, mix in a little Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for added flavour. Seal the bag and shake it well to ensure the flour and seasonings are evenly distributed.

Now, it's time to coat the smelt. Place the dried fish into the zip-lock bag, a few at a time, and shake until they are evenly coated with the flour and seasoning mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour from each fish before removing them from the bag. This step ensures a consistent flavour and texture for your air-fried smelt.

Finally, lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil to prevent the fish from sticking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other plant-based oil of your choice. Place the coated smelt into the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This arrangement promotes even cooking and helps maintain the desired crispy texture.

Cooking the smelt

Once your smelt is prepared, you can season it. Place the fish in a large zip lock bag and add flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder to the bag. Seal the bag and shake it well to coat the fish evenly with the flour and seasonings. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the bag for extra flavor. If you want to experiment with other seasonings, you can try paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

After your fish is coated, you can start heating your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. This should take about 3 minutes. While you wait, you can lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil, avocado oil, or another plant-based oil to prevent the fish from sticking. You can also use a pastry brush to brush the basket with oil, or dip a paper towel in oil and use that to grease the basket.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the smelt in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Lightly spray more oil on top of the fish. Air fry the smelt for 7-10 minutes, or up to 12 minutes if you prefer, flipping the fish halfway through to ensure even cooking.

To check if your smelt is done, use an instant meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. It should be at least 145°F. Once done, remove the smelt from the air fryer and serve hot. You can serve the smelt with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and pair it with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing your leftover smelts is easy. Simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they'll keep for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until they're solid. Then, transfer the smelts to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they'll stay good for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover smelts, there are a few ways to reheat them. If you want to restore their crispy texture, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook them for about 2 minutes, or until they're heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Choosing the right air fryer

Air fryers have gained popularity as a healthier, quicker, and more energy-efficient alternative to deep frying. They are also cost-effective, as they reduce cooking time and energy consumption.

When choosing the right air fryer, consider the following factors:

Capacity

Air fryers come in various sizes, from small to large. The size you choose depends on the number of people you plan to cook for. A 3.7L air fryer is standard and can easily serve four people. A smaller air fryer is suitable for 1-2 people, while a larger one is ideal for a family or cooking for a crowd.

Temperature Range

Some air fryers offer a wider temperature range, allowing you to cook different foods at specific temperatures. Look for an air fryer that can reach temperatures of 390-400°F or higher for cooking foods like chicken or meat. If you plan to reheat or dehydrate food, consider a model with a lower temperature range as well.

Cooking Presets

Many air fryers come with preset cooking programs for different foods, such as chicken, fish, or vegetables. These presets are especially helpful if you're new to air frying or cooking in general, as they save time and make the process easier.

Safety Features

Air fryers get extremely hot, so ensure your model has safety features like auto-shutoff and a cool-touch exterior. Most air fryers have these features, but it's important to verify before purchasing.

Additional Features

Some air fryers offer extra features like multiple baskets, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously. You can also find air fryers in various colors to match your style.

Reviews

Always read reviews before purchasing. Look for air fryers with high ratings and consider the pros and cons mentioned by other buyers. This will help you find a model that meets your specific needs and discover new recipe ideas.

Budget

Air fryers vary in price, ranging from $30 to a few hundred dollars. Generally, smaller air fryers are more affordable, but you can find good-quality options within your budget by checking reviews and comparing features.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right air fryer that suits your specific needs and cooking requirements.

Frequently asked questions