Crispy Tender Air Fryer Whole Anchovies
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein20gram
Ingredients
- Fresh whole anchovies (cleaned, head and guts removed if desired)300 g
- All-purpose flour (for light coating)3 tbsp
- Olive oil spray or neutral cooking oil sprayto taste n/a
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)4 pieces
This recipe guides you through cooking whole anchovies in an air fryer to achieve a tender inside and crispy outside. Using simple ingredients and common kitchen tools, anyone can make this tasty dish safely and quickly. The total ingredient cost is approximately $8 USD (£6 / €7 / ₹660) and the dish has about 250 calories per serving. It's an easy recipe with a total cooking and preparation time of 30 minutes, suitable for pescatarian diets. It emphasizes safe cooking practices, including reaching internal temperatures to ensure safety and tips to avoid cross-contamination.
Preparation instructions
Prepare Anchovies
1If your anchovies are whole and uncleaned, rinse them under cold water and remove the head and innards gently. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry fish cooks better, producing crispier results.
Season and Coat Anchovies
2In a bowl, toss the anchovies with salt and pepper evenly. Lightly coat each anchovy with all-purpose flour to achieve a crispy exterior when air fried.
Preheat Air Fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crisp finish.
Arrange Anchovies in Air Fryer
4Place the coated anchovies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even air circulation and crispiness.
Cook Anchovies
5Spray the anchovies lightly with cooking oil spray to aid crisping. Air fry at 200°C for 10-12 minutes. Shake or flip the anchovies halfway through cooking for even crispness.
Check Doneness and Serve
6Ensure anchovies are golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside. The safe internal cooking temperature for fish is 63°C (145°F). Use a food thermometer to check if available. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Tips
-Pat the anchovies dry before seasoning to avoid soggy texture.
-Avoid stacking anchovies in the air fryer to allow all sides to crisp evenly.
-Use a food thermometer for safety, ensuring fish reach 63°C (145°F) internally.
-Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon to enhance flavor and brighten the dish.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
- Food thermometer (optional but recommended)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Fresh whole anchovies (approx. 300g) (~$6) - Choose firm, shiny fish with mild sea smell.
- [ ] All-purpose flour (~$0.50) - Standard pantry item for light coating.
- [ ] Olive oil or neutral cooking oil spray (~$2) - Use a light spray to crisp anchovies.
- [ ] Salt (~$0.10) - Kosher or sea salt recommended.
- [ ] Black pepper (~$0.50) - Freshly ground gives best flavor.
- [ ] Lemon (~$0.90) - Select firm and heavy for juiciness.
Approximate total: $8
FAQ
Do I need to clean the anchovies before cooking?
Yes, rinse them under cold water and remove heads and innards if your anchovies are not pre-cleaned, then pat them dry thoroughly.
What temperature should anchovies be cooked to be safe?
Cook anchovies until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F), which ensures they are safe to eat.
Can I skip coating the anchovies with flour?
You can skip it, but coating in flour helps create a crispy crust in the air fryer.
Is it necessary to flip the anchovies during air frying?
Yes, flipping or shaking halfway helps them cook and crisp evenly on all sides.
Can I use frozen anchovies for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and dry them thoroughly before cooking for best results.