Crispy and Golden Pan-Seared Mackerel (Air Fryer Method)
How to Easily Grill Pan-Seared Mackerel with an Air Fryer
Perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, moist and savory on the inside! With just an air fryer, anyone can easily whip up a delicious mackerel dish.
Main Ingredients
- 1 Pan-seared mackerel (cleaned)
- Generous amount of canola oil (or cooking oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim the head and tail off the cleaned pan-seared mackerel. Gently rinse the fish under running water, being careful not to break the flesh. Pat the surface thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy skin. Once dried, generously coat the entire surface of the mackerel with canola oil. This not only helps the skin crisp up beautifully but also prevents oil splattering during cooking. (Tip: If you want to reduce any fishy odor, soak the mackerel in rice water for about 30 minutes, then drain, pat dry, and proceed with cooking.)
Step 2
Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. This prevents the mackerel from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Lightly brush the foil with canola oil as well to ensure the fish doesn’t stick to the bottom. Place the prepared mackerel onto the oiled foil.
Step 3
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Place the mackerel inside and air fry for about 25 minutes. Once the exterior starts to turn golden, carefully flip the mackerel over. Continue to air fry for another 20 minutes. Please note that cooking times and temperatures can vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so use these as a guideline. Keep an eye on the fish and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s cooked through and the skin is perfectly crispy.
Step 4
Voila! Your delicious pan-seared mackerel is ready. It’s wonderfully golden and crisp on the outside, while remaining moist and incredibly flavorful on the inside. This dish pairs perfectly with a warm bowl of rice for a satisfying meal.
