Smelt is a small fish that is native to North America and Europe. It is known for its delicate flavor and tender flesh, making it a popular choice for frying. If you’re wondering how long to cook smelt in an air fryer, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will share a quick and delicious recipe for cooking smelt in an air fryer. So, let’s get started!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Smelt
The star of the dish! Smelt can be found in most grocery stores or fish markets. Look for fresh, whole smelt, as they are the best for frying.
– Flour
For crispy and golden-brown smelt, you’ll need some all-purpose flour. This will help create a delicious coating on the fish.
– Salt and pepper
To enhance the flavors of the smelt, season them with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
– Paprika
Adding a touch of paprika will give your smelt a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish color.
– Olive oil
To achieve a crispy texture, a small amount of olive oil will be required. This will also prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket.
– Lemon wedges
To serve alongside your cooked smelt, you can prepare a few lemon wedges. Squeezing some lemon juice over the smelt will add a refreshing tanginess.
Preparing the Smelt
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the smelt for cooking.
– Cleaning the Smelt
Start by gently rinsing the smelt under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they are completely dry before cooking.
– Seasoning the Smelt
In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the smelt, making sure both sides are coated.
Cooking the Smelt in an Air Fryer
– Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you place the smelt in the air fryer, it’s crucial to preheat it. Set the air fryer to a temperature of 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
– Coating the Smelt in Flour
Next, take a shallow dish and add the flour to it. Take each seasoned smelt and coat it evenly with flour. Gently shake off any excess flour to prevent the smelt from becoming overly doughy.
– Arranging the Smelt in the Air Fryer
Carefully arrange the coated smelt in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between each fish to allow for even cooking and proper airflow.
– Adding Olive Oil
Using a cooking spray or a brush, lightly coat the smelt with a small amount of olive oil. This will help achieve a crispy and golden-brown exterior.
– Air Frying the Smelt
Now it’s time to cook the smelt! Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 8-10 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the smelt and the power of your air fryer.
– Flipping the Smelt
Once the timer reaches halfway, carefully flip the smelt to ensure even browning on both sides. This will help achieve a perfectly crispy texture.
Serving the Delicious Smelt
When the cooking time is up, remove the smelt from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the smelt and garnish with lemon wedges. This will add a delightful tangy flavor to complement the crispy and savory smelt.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Smelt in an Air Fryer
– Experiment with seasonings: Besides salt, pepper, and paprika, feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: It’s essential to arrange the smelt in a single layer with enough space between each fish to allow for proper airflow. This will ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
– Check for doneness: Smelt is cooked when it turns crispy and golden-brown. To check for doneness, you can cut a piece in half and ensure the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
– Serve with dipping sauce: If desired, prepare a simple dipping sauce like tartar sauce, aioli, or a squeeze of your favorite hot sauce to further enhance the flavors of the smelt.
Now that you know how long to cook smelt in an air fryer and have a delicious recipe to follow, it’s time to give it a try! Enjoy the crispy, savory, and mouthwatering smelt straight from your air fryer. Happy cooking!