Frying fish is a popular cooking method that can be found in various cuisines around the world. From crispy batter-fried fish in Britain to spicy fish fry in India, there are endless ways to prepare this delicious seafood. One such innovative way is to fry fish in an air fryer, giving it a healthier twist without compromising on taste. In this article, we will explore how to fry fish in an air fryer Indian style, creating a dish that is both flavorful and guilt-free.
Gearing Up: What You Will Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment to make this flavorful Indian-style air-fried fish. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Fresh fish fillets (preferably boneless)
– Indian spices (such as turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder)
– Ginger-garlic paste
– Gram flour (besan)
– Rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
– Lemon juice
– Salt
– Oil (preferably a flavorless oil like vegetable or canola oil)
Equipment:
– Air fryer
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk or fork
– Brush for oil
– Tongs for flipping the fish
Preparing the Fish
Now that we have assembled all the necessary ingredients and equipment, it’s time to prepare the fish for frying. Begin by cleaning the fish fillets thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Once dried, make shallow cuts on both sides of the fillets. This will help the marinade penetrate the fish and enhance its flavor. Next, rub the fish with ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Creating the Flavorful Coating
While the fish is marinating, let’s create the crispy coating that will give our air-fried fish its delightful crunch. In a mixing bowl, combine gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. You can adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
For an extra crispy coating, you can also add a tablespoon of rice flour to the mixture. Whisk or mix all the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
Coating and Air Frying the Fish
Now it’s time to coat the marinated fish fillets with the flavorful mixture and air fry them to perfection. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
Take one fish fillet at a time and coat it generously with the dry mixture, making sure to cover all sides. Gently press the coating onto the fish to ensure it sticks well. Repeat this process for all the fish fillets.
Once coated, lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
Now, place the basket inside the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the fish fillets using tongs to ensure even browning on both sides. Brush a little oil on the flipped side, if desired, for added crispiness.
Close the air fryer and let it continue cooking for the remaining 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets, so adjust accordingly.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the fish is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious Indian-style air-fried fish. Carefully remove the crispy fillets from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter.
Garnish the fish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness. Serve the fish hot with mint chutney or your favorite dipping sauce.
This flavorful and healthy twist on traditional Indian-style fried fish is sure to impress your family and friends. The air fryer eliminates the need for excessive oil, resulting in a lighter and guilt-free version of this classic dish. So, go ahead and try this easy and delicious recipe to satisfy your cravings for fried fish Indian-style, with a delightful twist!