Tuyo is a popular Filipino delicacy made from dried salted fish. It is a staple in Filipino households and is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or paired with rice. Traditionally, tuyo is cooked by frying it in oil until it becomes crispy. However, with the advent of air fryers, there is now a quick and easy way to cook tuyo with less oil and mess. In this guide, we will take you through the steps on how to cook tuyo in an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have everything we need. Here are the ingredients and equipment you will need to cook tuyo in an air fryer:
Ingredients:
– Tuyo (dried salted fish)
– Cooking oil (optional)
– Lemon or calamansi (optional, for serving)
– Rice (optional, for serving)
Equipment:
– Air fryer
– Tongs or spatula
– Plate or serving dish
Preparing the Tuyo
The first step is to prepare the tuyo for cooking. If you purchased whole tuyo, you may need to remove the heads and guts. If you prefer to keep the heads intact, you can skip this step. Removing the heads and guts is optional and purely a matter of personal preference.
Once the tuyo is ready, you can choose to marinate it in oil or leave it as is. Marinating the tuyo in oil adds flavor and helps prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket. To marinate the tuyo, simply coat it with cooking oil evenly. If you prefer a healthier option, you can skip the marinating step and proceed to the next step.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before cooking the tuyo, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Preheating ensures that the tuyo will cook evenly and become crispy. Set the air fryer to the appropriate temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C), and let it preheat for a few minutes.
Cooking the Tuyo
Now that the air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the tuyo. Place the tuyo in the air fryer basket, making sure to arrange them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the tuyo in batches.
Adjusting Cooking Time
The cooking time of tuyo in an air fryer may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fish. A good starting point is to cook the tuyo for about 5 minutes. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the tuyo as it cooks and check for the desired level of crispiness.
If you prefer your tuyo to be extra crispy, you can cook it for a few minutes longer. Conversely, if you prefer it less crispy, you can reduce the cooking time. Remember that tuyo is already dried, so it doesn’t require as much cooking time as other types of fish.
Flipping the Tuyo
After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the tuyo using tongs or a spatula. This will ensure that both sides of the tuyo are evenly cooked and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the tuyo to avoid breaking it.
Finishing Touches
Once the tuyo is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Transfer the cooked tuyo to a plate or serving dish. Squeeze some lemon or calamansi juice over the tuyo for an extra zesty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Tuyo is often enjoyed with steamed rice and freshly sliced tomatoes or atchara (pickled vegetables). The combination of the savory tuyo, fragrant rice, and tangy tomatoes or atchara creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
You can also get creative with your tuyo dishes. Try crumbling the crispy tuyo on top of pasta or adding it as a topping to pizzas. The possibilities are endless!
Cleaning the Air Fryer
After cooking the tuyo, it’s important to clean your air fryer thoroughly to remove any lingering fishy odor. Start by unplugging the air fryer and allowing it to cool down. Once cooled, remove the air fryer basket and wash it with warm soapy water. Use a soft sponge or brush to remove any residue.
Do not forget to clean the inside of the air fryer as well. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth or sponge. Pay extra attention to any oil splatters or grease stains. Make sure to dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling the air fryer.
Conclusion
Cooking tuyo in an air fryer offers a quick and easy way to enjoy this beloved Filipino delicacy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve crispy and flavorful tuyo without the need for excessive oil or frying. Experiment with different cooking times and serving suggestions to find your perfect tuyo dish. So go ahead, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy the deliciousness of tuyo!