Crispy Air Fryer Whole Anchovies – A Quick & Tasty Snack
Nutritional value per serving
Calories180kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat10gram
Protein15gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh or frozen anchovies (cleaned, heads and guts removed)300 g
- All-purpose flour (for coating)3 tbsp
- Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp
- Garlic powder (optional, for flavor)0.5 tsp
- Salt (to taste)to taste n/a
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)to taste n/a
- Lemon wedges for serving1-2 piece
Enjoy a tasty and crispy anchovy snack cooked easily in your air fryer! This recipe guides you step-by-step to prepare whole anchovies to perfection with a crunchy coating and delicious flavor. Anchovies, known for their strong, savory taste, become delightfully crispy and less intense when air fried. The total cost for ingredients is around $5 USD / €4.5 / £4 / ₹370, making this a budget-friendly treat. Nutritionally, each serving offers approximately 180 kcal, rich in protein and healthy fats. The recipe is suitable for pescatarian diets. The prep time is about 10 minutes, and active cooking takes just 12 minutes, suitable for beginner cooks with standard kitchen tools.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the air fryer
1Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the anchovies cook evenly and become crisp.
Prepare anchovies
2If using frozen anchovies, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy texture and prevents oil splatters.
Season anchovies
3In a bowl, gently toss the whole anchovies with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Coat anchovies lightly
4Sprinkle the anchovies with all-purpose flour and toss lightly to coat them evenly. This will give them a crispy coating when air fried.
Arrange in air fryer basket
5Spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil or brush lightly to prevent sticking. Place the coated anchovies in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap for even cooking.
Cook in air fryer
6Cook the anchovies at 200°C (390°F) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This shakes and turns them over to crisp all sides evenly.
Check doneness and temperature
7Anchovies should be crispy and golden brown outside. Since anchovies are small fish, they cook quickly and internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) is safe to confirm doneness. Use a kitchen thermometer gently inserted for confirmation if you like.
Serve and enjoy
8Carefully remove the crispy anchovies and serve immediately with lemon wedges. The lemon adds a fresh zestiness that complements the savory flavor perfectly.
Cooking Tips
-Always handle raw fish with clean hands and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. Clean surfaces thoroughly after preparation.
-Dry the anchovies thoroughly to avoid splattering during cooking and to help them become crispy.
-If you don't have all-purpose flour, fine breadcrumbs or cornmeal can be used for coating instead for a different texture.
-Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness.
-Leftover crispy anchovies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed fresh.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen tongs or spoon for tossing
- Paper towels
- Kitchen thermometer (optional)
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh or frozen cleaned anchovies – Approx. $4.00 (Choose firm, fresh-smelling fish without discoloration)
- [ ] All-purpose flour – Approx. $0.30 (Use fresh, good-quality flour for best coating)
- [ ] Olive oil – Approx. $0.50 (Extra virgin gives better flavor, but any cooking oil can work)
- [ ] Garlic powder (optional) – Approx. $0.20 (Check aroma and avoid clumping)
- [ ] Fresh lemon – Approx. $0.50 (Choose firm with bright yellow color)
- [ ] Salt and pepper – Likely already on hand
Total estimated cost: $5.50
FAQ
Can I use frozen anchovies for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture, which affects crispiness.
How do I know when anchovies are cooked safely?
Anchovies are small and cook quickly. They're safe at an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and should be crispy and golden outside.
Can I skip the flour coating?
You can, but the flour helps create a crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use breadcrumbs or cornmeal for a different crispiness.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake them in the oven at 200°C (390°F) on a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes or until crispy, turning halfway.