Crispy Whole Air Fryer Herring: Simple & Tasty
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat20gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh herring, cleaned and gutted (choose firm, shiny skin and no fishy odor)2 pieces
- Olive oil or any neutral oil (helps crispiness)1 tbsp
- Salt1/2 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground1/4 tsp
- Lemon wedges, for serving4 pieces
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional garnish)1 tbsp
Discover how to make deliciously crispy whole herring right in your air fryer, perfect for quick and healthy meals. This recipe ensures a safe internal temperature for perfectly cooked fish, with step-by-step, beginner-friendly instructions. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $8 (7€ / £6 / ₹600) and the dish contains about 350 kcal per serving. This air fryer herring is great for pescatarian diets, is easy to prepare, and cooks in about 20 minutes total.
Preparation instructions
Preheat your air fryer
1Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Prepare the herring
2Pat the whole herring dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Brush the fish lightly with olive oil on all sides. Season both inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Arrange the herring in the air fryer basket
3Place the herring in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. Leave space around each fish for air circulation, which promotes crispiness.
Cook the herring
4Cook the fish at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through cooking (at about 5-6 minutes), carefully open the fryer and flip the herring to ensure even crisping of the skin on both sides.
Check doneness and internal temperature
5Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish (avoiding bone). The herring is safe and fully cooked at 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Serve
6Remove the herring carefully from the air fryer. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill if desired. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful air fryer herring!
Cooking Tips
-Make sure to dry the fish thoroughly before oiling to achieve a crispy texture.
-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
-Use a digital food thermometer to verify the fish reaches a safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to avoid undercooking.
-Leftover cooked herring can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
-If you prefer, you can marinate the herring briefly in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking for added flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer with basket
- Tongs or spatula
- Digital food thermometer
- Paper towels
- Small brush for oil
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh herring (2 pieces) - approximately $6.00. Choose fish with shiny skin and fresh scent without strong fishy odor.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle) - approximately $2.00. Choose extra virgin for better flavor.
- [ ] Salt (small container) - ~$0.50. Use regular table salt or sea salt.
- [ ] Black pepper (small container) - ~$1.50. Use freshly ground black pepper if possible.
- [ ] Lemon (1-2 pieces) - approximately $1.00. Choose firm and heavy for juiciness.
- [ ] Fresh parsley or dill (optional) - around $1.00. Look for bright green, fragrant herbs.
Total Cost: Approximately $8.00
FAQ
Can I cook frozen whole herring in the air fryer?
It's best to thaw the herring completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety. Pat it dry after thawing for best crispiness.
How do I know when the herring is fully cooked?
Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). The flesh should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I substitute olive oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil. Olive oil adds flavor but isn't mandatory.
Is it safe to cook whole fish with skin on?
Yes, cooking whole fish with skin intact helps hold moisture and adds great texture when crisped properly. Just make sure to clean and gut the fish before cooking.