Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Grilled Mackerel
Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Grilled Mackerel
Effortlessly Crispy and Moist Mackerel Grilled in an Air Fryer
Hello everyone! Mackerel is a true gem from the sea, packed with beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA, which is excellent for improving concentration. It’s also rich in nutrients like those that help prevent high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. Furthermore, it contains iodine, crucial for nerve development, vitamin D, an essential nutrient for modern lifestyles, selenium, and high-quality protein, making it a superb fish for all ages. Today, I’ll show you the easiest and most delicious way to grill mackerel using an air fryer. Say goodbye to fishy smells and hello to perfectly crispy skin and moist, flaky flesh – a culinary delight you can easily make at home!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 frozen mackerel fillet
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your frozen mackerel that comes in vacuum packaging. If you’re using fresh or salted mackerel, soaking it in rice water or green tea water for about 10-20 minutes before cooking can effectively remove any fishy odor. This step is key to bringing out the natural, fresh flavor of the mackerel.
Step 2
Do not thaw the mackerel. Place the frozen fillet directly into the air fryer basket. Cooking it from frozen helps to shorten the cooking time and keeps the flesh firm, resulting in a more pleasing texture.
Step 3
The secret to air fryer success! Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the mackerel’s natural oils from dripping directly onto the heating element. Place the mackerel skin-side up, and air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes. Since mackerel is a naturally oily fish, there’s absolutely no need to add any cooking oil. This initial step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy skin.
Step 4
After the first 10 minutes, carefully flip the mackerel over. This time, place it skin-side down, and continue to air fry at 200°C (390°F) for another 10 minutes. This process ensures the fish cooks evenly all the way through while keeping the inside wonderfully moist.
Step 5
I’ve cooked it for a total of 20 minutes so far. Depending on the thickness of your mackerel fillet and your specific air fryer model, the cooking time might vary slightly. Mine looked like it needed a little more time, so I added an extra 7 minutes at 200°C (390°F), bringing the total cooking time to 27 minutes. It’s always a good idea to check for doneness. You can insert a fork into the thickest part; if it comes out clean with no pinkness, it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 6
Voilà! Behold your beautifully golden-brown and perfectly grilled mackerel. A helpful tip if you’re using fresh or salted mackerel: scoring the skin with a few shallow cuts before grilling allows heat to penetrate more effectively, leading to a crispier skin and more even cooking. Since I was grilling from frozen, making scores wasn’t feasible.
Step 7
Doesn’t it look delicious? You’ll notice a good amount of oil has rendered from the mackerel and collected on the parchment paper below. This natural oil contributes significantly to the fish’s moistness and rich flavor, eliminating the need for added fats.
Step 8
One of the best things about using an air fryer for fish is the lack of smoke compared to pan-frying. My kitchen stays fresh and clean, and I don’t have to worry as much about lingering cooking smells. It truly makes grilling fish a more enjoyable experience. This is undoubtedly a fantastic side dish for any meal!
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