Air-Fried Whiting: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

If you're a seafood lover, you'll know that there's nothing better than crispy, golden fried fish. But who wants to deal with all that oil? That's where the air fryer comes in. This revolutionary cooking method uses hot air circulation to mimic the crispiness of deep-fried foods, but with a fraction of the oil. In this article, we'll teach you how to make delicious, healthy whiting fish in your air fryer.

How to Make Whiting in an Air Fryer

Selecting the Perfect Whiting Fish

• Freshness: Opt for fresh or responsibly sourced frozen whiting. Fresh whiting should have clear and bright eyes, shiny and firm skin, and a mild briny or fresh ocean scent. The flesh should be firm and bounce back when pressed. Avoid fillets with a dull appearance or a strong fishy smell, as these are signs of spoilage.
• Seasonality: While whiting is available year-round, it is best to buy it during the winter months when it is at its peak of freshness and flavour.
• Cut: You can purchase whiting as whole fish, fillets, or steaks. Whole fish are the freshest option but require more preparation. Fillets are the most common choice and are easy to cook with. Steaks may contain more bones than fillets.
• Sustainability: Look for certifications from organisations like the Marine Stewardship Council or the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program to ensure the whiting has been sustainably sourced.
• Size: Smaller whiting fish tend to be tastier. Aim for fish that are 7 inches or less in length.

By following these guidelines, you can be confident that you are selecting the perfect whiting fish for your air fryer creation. Remember to also properly clean, prepare, and season your whiting before cooking for the best results.

Cleaning and Preparing Whiting Fish

Cleaning and preparing your whiting fish is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide to ensure your fish is ready for the air fryer:

Cleaning:

Start by rinsing the whiting fish under cold running water to remove any impurities or excess salt. This step ensures that your fish is free from any unwanted substances and prepares it for the next steps. It is important to use cold water as it helps to preserve the quality and texture of the fish.

Drying:

After rinsing, gently pat the fish dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it removes any excess moisture, ensuring that the fish is ready for seasoning and cooking. Make sure to be gentle and not rub the fish too vigorously, as you want to keep the delicate flesh intact.

Skinning and Deboning:

The skin can be left on for extra crispiness, but if you prefer, you can remove it. Using a sharp knife, make a small incision near the tail and gradually peel the skin off. This process should be done carefully to avoid tearing the flesh. Additionally, check for any pin bones and remove them using tweezers or fish pliers. This step ensures that your fish is boneless and safe to eat.

Seasoning:

Now it's time to add flavour to your fish! Be creative with your seasoning to enhance the taste. A classic option is to sprinkle both sides of the whiting fish with salt and pepper, along with a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also experiment with herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, or dill to give it a unique twist. Don't be afraid to mix and match flavours to find your perfect combination.

Coating:

For an extra crispy texture, you can lightly coat the seasoned fish with breadcrumbs, panko, or even crushed cornflakes. This step is optional but adds a delightful golden crust to your fish. Make sure to coat the fish evenly for the best results.

Final Preparations:

Before placing the fish in the air fryer, lightly spray or brush it with oil. This helps to prevent the fish from drying out during cooking and promotes a crisp exterior. Additionally, ensure that your air fryer is preheated to the recommended temperature to ensure even cooking.

By following these steps, your whiting fish will be cleaned, prepared, and ready for the air fryer. Now you can move on to the cooking process, knowing that your fish is of the highest quality and ready to be transformed into a delicious meal.

Seasoning and Coating the Fish

Step 1: Rinse and Dry the Fish

Start by rinsing your whiting fillets under cold running water. This will remove any impurities or excess salt from the fish. Then, gently pat the fish dry with a paper towel. It's important that the fish is still slightly damp for the next step.

Step 2: Prepare Your Seasoning

In a sealable bag, combine your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of herbs and spices to create your own unique blend. Some popular options include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and onion powder. Seal the bag and shake it to mix the seasonings.

Step 3: Coat the Fish with Seasoning

Place the damp fish fillets into the bag with the seasoning. Shake the bag until the fillets are fully and evenly coated with the seasoning mix. You can also use a fish batter mix for this step if you prefer.

Step 4: Remove Excess Seasoning

Place the seasoned fillets on a baking rack or wire rack. This will allow any excess flour or seasoning to fall off the fish. You can also gently shake the fillets to remove any excess.

Step 5: Prepare the Coating (Optional)

For an extra crispy texture, you can coat the seasoned fish with breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes. This step is optional but will give your whiting an irresistible golden crust. Gently coat the fillets with your chosen coating, shaking off any excess.

Step 6: Spray or Brush with Oil

Lightly spray or brush the seasoned (and coated) fillets with oil. This step helps to prevent the fish from drying out during cooking and promotes a crisp exterior. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray.

Now your whiting fillets are perfectly seasoned and coated, ready for cooking in your air fryer!

Cooking the Fish

Now that you have selected your fresh whiting fish and prepared it by rinsing, patting dry, and seasoning, it's time to cook it to perfection in your air fryer! Here are the steps to achieve that irresistible crispy and moist texture:

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Always remember to preheat your air fryer before adding the fish. Set it to the recommended temperature, usually around 360-400°F (180-200°C), and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This ensures even heat distribution and enhances the cooking process.

Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket:

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a minimal amount of oil onto it. This step is crucial to prevent the fish from sticking to the basket and making it easier to clean afterward.

Place the Fish in the Basket:

Arrange your seasoned whiting fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of frying. Leave some space between each fillet for optimal air circulation.

Set the Temperature and Time:

Adjust the temperature of your air fryer to around 375-400°F (190-200°C). The ideal cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, but a good range is between 7-12 minutes. For thinner fillets, aim for the lower end of the range, and for thicker fillets, the higher end.

Flip and Spray:

Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip your whiting fish fillets using a flat spatula or tongs. This ensures even cooking on both sides. After flipping, you can spritz or brush a small amount of oil onto the fish to enhance crispiness and prevent dryness.

Check for Doneness:

To ensure your whiting fish is cooked thoroughly, there are a few tests you can perform. Firstly, the fish should have a beautiful golden brown exterior. Secondly, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet; it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Finally, use a fork to gently flake the flesh; it should be opaque and separate easily into flakes.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once your whiting fish passes the doneness tests, it's time to serve it! Remove the fish from the air fryer and plate it with your choice of sides. Whiting fish pairs well with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, steamed vegetables, salad, or crispy seasoned fries. Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried whiting!

Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to serve your air-fried whiting. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sides

• Salads: A refreshing mixed greens salad is a great option to balance out the crispy fish. You can also add some freshness with garnishes like parsley or dill.
• Steamed vegetables: These provide a healthy and tasty accompaniment to the fish.
• Roasted potatoes: For a heartier option, roasted potatoes are always a good choice.
• Fries: For a classic fish and chips vibe, serve your whiting with crispy seasoned fries.

Sauces

• Lemon wedges: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over your fish for a tangy twist.
• Tartar sauce: A classic choice for fish, tartar sauce is a great dipping option.
• Aioli: This garlicky sauce adds a punch of flavour.
• Hot sauce: For those who like it spicy, a dash of hot sauce is a must.
• Cocktail sauce: Or any other dipping sauce of your choice.

Variations

• Herb lover? Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme.
• Zesty twist: Drizzle a homemade lemon butter sauce or a tangy tartar sauce over the fish.
• Asian fusion: Try seasoning the fish with soy sauce, ginger, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Dietary Options

If you're watching your carbs, there are a few variations you can try:

• Use almond flour instead of regular flour and crushed pork rinds or corn flakes instead of panko for a keto-friendly version.
• For a gluten-free option, go for almond flour and crushed corn flakes.

Remember, the beauty of this dish is its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your sides and sauces to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

Frequently asked questions