Crispy Air Fryer Herring Fillets - Quick & Easy Seafood Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat15gram
Protein20gram
Ingredients
- Fresh herring fillets (skin on for crispiness, ensure fresh and firm)2 pieces
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)1 tbsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp
- Garlic powder0.5 tsp
- Paprika0.5 tsp
- Salt (to taste)0.5 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.25 tsp
This simple and quick recipe for air fryer herring fillets brings a crispy, flavorful seafood dish to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for beginners, this recipe uses straightforward ingredients and a foolproof cooking method to make sure your herring fillets come out deliciously crisp on the outside and safely cooked inside every time. The total ingredient cost is approximately $7 USD (€6.50, £5.70, ₹560). Each serving contains roughly 220 kcal, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers. This dish suits low-carb diets and is moderately easy to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Preparation instructions
Preheat your air fryer
1Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispy texture on the herring fillets.
Prepare the herring fillets
2Pat the herring fillets dry using paper towels. This step is crucial as it prevents excess moisture that can hinder crispiness.
Season the fillets
3In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly onto both sides of the herring fillets to impart flavor and help crisp the skin.
Place fillets in air fryer basket
4Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket with skin side facing down (if skin-on). Make sure they do not overlap to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
Cook the herring fillets
5Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10 minutes. Halfway through cooking (at 5 minutes), carefully flip the fillets to the other side for even crispiness.
Check for doneness and safe internal temperature
6The herring fillets are done when they are opaque and flake easily with a fork. Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached at least 63°C (145°F), which is the safe temperature for cooked fish according to food safety guidelines.
Serve immediately
7Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite sides, such as lemon wedges, fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.
Cooking Tips
-Always use fresh herring fillets with firm flesh and no fishy odor for best results.
-Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer basket to ensure the fillets cook evenly and become crispy.
-Use a food thermometer to confirm safe internal temperature to prevent undercooking and foodborne illness.
-Serve the fillets immediately for the best crispy texture; leftovers can be stored in the fridge but will lose crispiness.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush (or spoon)
- Food thermometer
- Paper towels
- Tongs or spatula
Shopping List
- [ ] Fresh herring fillets (2 pieces) - approx. $5 Tip: Choose fillets with shiny skin and firm flesh. Avoid any that smell overly fishy.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - small bottle approx. $4 Tip: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor and is available in most supermarkets.
- [ ] Lemon (1 for juice) - approx. $0.50 Tip: Choose firm lemons with smooth, bright skin.
- [ ] Garlic powder - small container approx. $3 Tip: Can substitute with fresh minced garlic if preferred.
- [ ] Paprika - small container approx. $3 Tip: Smoked paprika adds extra depth if available.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - pantry staples
Total approximate cost: $7 (assuming a portion of pantry spices used and olive oil bottle will be used across multiple recipes)
FAQ
Can I use frozen herring fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen herring fillets. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispiness.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can cook the seasoned herring fillets in a regular oven at 200°C (392°F) on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
How do I know the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is opaque all the way through and flakes easily with a fork. Using a food thermometer, the inside should reach 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other oils like sunflower or canola oil. Olive oil provides good flavor and promotes crispiness, but other oils will also work.