Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Whole Sardines
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat15gram
Protein22gram
Ingredients
- whole fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted500 g
- garlic cloves, finely chopped4 cloves
- olive oil2 tbsp
- lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp
- salt1 tsp
- black pepper0.5 tsp
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional)1 tbsp
This recipe shows you how to cook whole sardines with aromatic garlic in an air fryer, creating a crispy, flavorful dish in just minutes. It’s perfect for seafood lovers who want a quick, healthy, and delicious meal using common ingredients and standard kitchen equipment. This dish costs approximately $8 (USD), €7.5 (Euros), £6 (Pounds), and ₹650 (Rupees) for ingredients, serving about 2 people. Each serving provides roughly 250 kcal, suitable for a pescatarian diet. The recipe is easy to follow, takes about 10 minutes active cooking time, plus 5 minutes preparation, totaling 15 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the air fryer
1Turn the air fryer on and preheat it to 200°C (390°F) while you prepare the sardines. This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
Prepare the sardines
2Pat the sardines dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Dry sardines crisp up better in the air fryer.
Season the sardines
3In a bowl, mix olive oil, finely chopped garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture all over the sardines, making sure to coat them evenly. This adds flavor and helps in crisping.
Place sardines in the air fryer
4Arrange the sardines in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap to allow hot air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Cook the sardines
5Air fry the sardines at 200°C (390°F) for about 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. The sardines are cooked when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a food thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F) for safety.
Serve and garnish
6Once cooked, transfer the sardines to a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips
-Choose fresh, firm sardines with clear eyes and shiny skin at the market for best flavor.
-Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer basket to get crispy, evenly cooked sardines.
-Always wash hands and utensils after handling raw fish to avoid cross-contamination.
-Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
-If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, though fresh adds more vibrant flavor.
Equipment needed:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Paper towels
- Food thermometer (recommended)
- Tongs or spatula
Grocery shopping list:
- [ ] Whole fresh sardines (500g) — Choose firm fish with bright eyes for freshness.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 cloves) — Look for firm, plump cloves with no spots.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) — Extra virgin adds best flavor.
- [ ] Fresh lemon (1) — Choose juicy lemons with bright skin.
- [ ] Salt — Regular iodized or sea salt.
- [ ] Black pepper — Freshly ground preferred.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) — Pick bright green leaves without wilting.
Approximate total cost: $8 USD
FAQ
Can I cook frozen sardines in the air fryer?
It is best to thaw frozen sardines completely before air frying. Cooking from frozen may lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
How do I know when sardines are fully cooked?
Sardines are cooked when the flesh turns opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Using a food thermometer helps ensure safety.
Can I use other fish besides sardines for this recipe?
Yes, small whole fish like mackerel or anchovies can be cooked similarly, but cooking times might vary slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer to retain crispiness.