Crispy Air Fryer Herring Fillets
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs6gram
Fat12gram
Protein18gram
Ingredients
- Herring fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen) - choose firm, fresh-smelling fillets free of discolorations4 piece
- All-purpose flour - to coat the fillets lightly for crispiness50 g
- Paprika - for smoky flavor and color1 tsp
- Garlic powder - adds depth of flavor1 tsp
- Salt - to taste1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground for best taste0.5 tsp
- Olive oil spray or any cooking spray - to lightly coat the fillets in the air fryern/a to spray
- Lemon wedges - optional, for serving and flavor enhancement1 piece
Discover the joy of cooking crispy herring fillets in your air fryer with this easy and foolproof recipe. The recipe requires simple ingredients and everyday kitchen tools, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. The air fryer ensures a delightful crispy texture with less oil, and the fish cooks to a safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), guaranteed by our handy tips. The total cost for ingredients is approximately $7 USD, €6, £5, and ₹560. This protein-rich dish contains about 220 kcal per serving and is suitable for a pescatarian diet. The recipe has an easy complexity level and takes around 30 minutes total to prepare and cook. Enjoy a healthy, delicious, and crisp herring experience effortlessly!
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Fillets
1Rinse the herring fillets under cold running water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This prevents sogginess and helps achieve crispiness.
Prepare the Coating
2In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
Coat the Fillets
3Lightly dredge each dry herring fillet in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour to avoid a thick coating that might burn.
Preheat the Air Fryer
4Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and preheat it for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Arrange the Fillets
5Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated herring fillets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap for even cooking.
Cook the Fillets
6Air fry the fillets at 200°C (390°F) for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through (after about 5-6 minutes), flip the fillets carefully with tongs and spray a light mist of oil on the other side. Cooking through and flipping ensures crisp, evenly cooked fish.
Check for Doneness
7The herring fillets are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillet. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Serve and Enjoy
8Serve the crispy herring fillets hot with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the fish beautifully.
Cooking Tips
-Use fresh or properly thawed herring fillets for the best taste and texture. Avoid any fish that smells strongly fishy or has slimy skin.
-Pat the fillets dry very well before coating in flour to help the coating stick and get crispy.
-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure air circulation and even cooking.
-Use a food thermometer to verify doneness and ensure safe internal cooking temperature, minimizing risk of undercooked fish.
-If you don’t have an air fryer, you can achieve similar results by shallow frying the coated fillets in a non-stick skillet with a small amount of oil, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Shallow bowls for coating
- Tongs
- Food thermometer
- Paper towels
- Small bowl or spray bottle for oil spray
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Herring fillets (fresh or frozen) - approx. $5.00. Choose fillets that are firm and smell fresh with shiny skin.
- [ ] All-purpose flour - approx. $0.50 for the quantity used. Use regular all-purpose flour for light coating.
- [ ] Paprika - approx. $0.30. Use sweet or smoked paprika for flavor.
- [ ] Garlic powder - approx. $0.20. Freshly ground or store-bought garlic powder works well.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - approx. $0.10. Use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
- [ ] Olive oil spray or any cooking spray - approx. $1.00. Choose a neutral oil spray for even coating.
- [ ] Lemon (optional) - approx. $0.50. Select firm lemons with smooth skin for juicing.
Total approximate cost: $7.60
FAQ
Can I use frozen herring fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen herring fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture for best results.
How do I know when the herring fillets are fully cooked?
Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 63°C (145°F). The fish should also be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use other spices instead of paprika and garlic powder?
Absolutely! You can experiment with spices like cayenne pepper for heat, dried herbs like thyme or dill, or lemon zest to add different flavors.
What if my air fryer is smaller and can’t fit all fillets at once?
Cook the fillets in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This helps maintain even airflow and ensures the fish cooks evenly and crisply.