Crispy Baked Frozen Mackerel Fillets with Air Fryer
Crispy Baked Frozen Mackerel Fillets with Air Fryer
Achieve Perfectly Crispy Frozen Mackerel with Your Air Fryer
The air fryer has made cooking a variety of dishes incredibly easy, and fish preparation is one of its most appreciated applications. This recipe will guide you to bake frozen mackerel fillets until they are wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without them falling apart. The delightful combination of savory batter mix and aromatic curry powder elevates the fish’s natural flavor. Enjoy a delicious, fuss-free fish dish!
Ingredients- 2 frozen mackerel fillets
- Cooking oil, as needed (for spraying or brushing)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp Korean pancake mix (buchim garu)
- 1 tsp curry powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Take out the two frozen mackerel fillets from your freezer. Rinse them under cool running water to thaw. Avoid soaking for too long, as this can make the fish mushy.
Step 2
Once thawed, pat the mackerel fillets completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering well and may cause splattering during cooking.
Step 3
To ensure maximum crispiness, cut each fillet in half. Also, make crosswise scores (X-shaped cuts) about halfway through the flesh. This helps the salt penetrate better and increases the surface area for crisping, making the fish look more appealing.
Step 4
Lightly sprinkle salt on both sides of the scored mackerel fillets. This is a light seasoning, so don’t overdo it to avoid making the fish too salty.
Step 5
On a wide plate or tray, combine the Korean pancake mix and curry powder. Whisk them together until well-mixed and free of lumps. The curry powder not only adds a lovely aroma but also helps to neutralize any fishy odors.
Step 6
Coat each seasoned mackerel fillet evenly on both sides with the dry mix. Aim for a thin, even coating rather than a thick one; this technique yields a crispier texture.
Step 7
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before placing the fish. This prevents sticking and contributes to a crispier finish. If you don’t have a spray, you can brush oil onto the basket.
Step 8
Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for about 2 minutes. Once preheated, place the mackerel fillets in the basket with the skin-side down. Cooking the skin side first helps achieve superior crispiness.
Step 9
Lightly spray the top of the mackerel fillets with cooking oil. This helps keep the surface moist while cooking and ensures an evenly golden-brown, crispy result.
Step 10
Increase the air fryer temperature to 180°C (356°F) and cook for approximately 7 minutes.
Step 11
After 7 minutes, flip the mackerel fillets and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Your perfectly crispy and tender baked mackerel is ready to be enjoyed! Feel free to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your preference and air fryer model.
