Crispy BBQ Whole Air Fryer Herring
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat15gram
Protein22gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh herring, cleaned and gutted (look for bright eyes and firm flesh)2 piece
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)2 tbsp
- BBQ seasoning (store-bought or homemade)1 tbsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper, freshly groundto taste n/a
- Lemon wedges, for serving4 piece
This recipe shows you how to make delicious whole herring with a smoky BBQ flavor, quickly and easily in your air fryer. Using simple ingredients commonly found at the supermarket and a straightforward process, you'll have a tasty, crispy, and healthy fish dish in under 30 minutes. The total cost for ingredients is approximately $8 USD / €7 / £6 / ₹600. This recipe is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, with about 250 kcal per serving (1 fish), suitable for pescatarian diets. Its difficulty is easy, perfect for cooks of all skill levels, and the total time including prep and cooking is about 25 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the air fryer
1Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispy skin on the herring.
Prepare the herring
2Pat the whole herring dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is key to getting a crispy exterior. Then rub each fish all over with olive oil.
Season the fish
3Sprinkle BBQ seasoning evenly on both sides of the herring, including inside the cavity. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Arrange in air fryer basket
4Place the seasoned herring in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispness.
Cook the herring
5Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through, carefully flip the fish to the other side with tongs for even browning.
Check for doneness and safety
6The herring is done when the skin is crispy and opaque, and the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F) measured with a food thermometer in the thickest part. Flesh should flake easily with a fork.
Serve
7Serve the hot BBQ whole herring immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for added brightness.
Cooking Tips
-Make sure your herring is fresh and properly cleaned for the best taste and food safety.
-Use a food thermometer to verify the internal temperature for safe consumption.
-Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispy texture.
-If you don’t have BBQ seasoning, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar works great as a substitute.
-Leftover cooked herring can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Paper towels
- Food thermometer
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh herring (2 pieces) - approx. $5.00. Tip: Choose fish with bright, clear eyes and firm flesh.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - approx. $0.50 for needed quantity. Tip: Use high-quality olive oil for flavor.
- [ ] BBQ seasoning (1 tbsp) - approx. $1.50. Tip: Check the label for balanced spices without added preservatives.
- [ ] Fresh lemon (1 fresh lemon yields 4 wedges) - approx. $0.50. Tip: Pick lemons that are heavy and firm for juiciness.
- [ ] Salt and pepper - on hand or approx. $0.50.
Total approximate cost: $8.00
FAQ
Can I use frozen herring for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen herring, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator and dry it well before cooking to get a crispy texture.
What temperature should herring be cooked to?
Cook herring to a safe internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I use a different seasoning instead of BBQ?
Absolutely! You can use lemon pepper, garlic herb, or smoked paprika seasoning as delicious alternatives.
How do I avoid the fish sticking to the air fryer basket?
Patting the fish dry and coating it lightly with oil helps prevent sticking. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket.