Crispy Garlic-Infused Air Fryer Whole Herring
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs1gram
Fat14gram
Protein22gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh herring, cleaned and gutted (look for fresh fish with bright eyes and firm flesh)4 pieces
- Garlic cloves, minced (use fresh garlic for best flavor)3 pieces
- Olive oil (extra virgin for added flavor)1 tbsp
- Lemon, sliced (choose a firm lemon with bright yellow skin)1 piece
- Salt (preferably sea salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
This easy-to-make garlic-infused whole herring recipe cooked in the air fryer results in a crispy, flavorful dish perfect for any seafood lover. Air frying provides a healthier alternative to deep frying, giving you crispiness without excess oil. Total estimated cost of ingredients: $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900. The dish has approximately 220 kcal per serving. It suits pescatarian diets and is of easy difficulty, taking about 5 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking, totaling 20 minutes. Follow simple food safety practices for handling raw fish and check the internal temperature to ensure safe consumption.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the herring
1Rinse the whole herring under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly inside and out with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy in the air fryer.
Season the fish
2Rub the herring all over, including the cavity, with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place a lemon slice inside each fish cavity for added aroma and flavor.
Preheat the air fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Arrange the herring in the air fryer basket
4Place the seasoned whole herring in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow hot air to circulate properly.
Cook the herring
5Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes. Flip the fish halfway through the cooking time for even crisping. The herring is done when the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part to check.
Serve and enjoy
6Carefully remove the herring from the air fryer. Serve hot with additional lemon wedges. The crispy, garlicky skin and tender flesh make a delicious meal.
Cooking Tips
-Use fresh, whole herrings for the best flavor and texture. Ask your fishmonger to clean and gut them if possible.
-To avoid cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards for raw fish and other ingredients and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw fish.
-If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check that the fish flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork—they should not be translucent or rubbery.
-You can add herbs like dill or parsley inside the fish cavity for extra aroma.
-If your air fryer is small, cook the herrings in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer (recommended for safe cooking)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowl (optional for seasoning)
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh herring (4 pieces) – approximately $8. Choose fish with bright eyes and firm, shiny flesh.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) – approximately $0.50. Fresh garlic bulbs are usually preferred over pre-minced.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) – approximately $0.50 (for 1 tbsp portion).
- [ ] Lemon (1 piece) – approximately $0.75. Look for firm lemons with smooth, bright skin.
- [ ] Salt (sea salt preferred) – negligible for quantity.
- [ ] Black pepper (freshly ground) – negligible for quantity.
Total estimated cost: around $12.
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 before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the herring is cooked safely?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the herring in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture may not be as crispy as with an air fryer.
Is it necessary to flip the fish during cooking?
Flipping helps to ensure even crispiness on both sides, but if your air fryer circulates air very evenly, it might be okay to cook without flipping. Flipping is recommended for best texture.