Crispy and Savory Grilled Eel with an Air Fryer
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Grilled Eel Using an Air Fryer at Home
Here’s a super easy recipe for preparing eel that’s free from any fishy smell. Cooking it in the air fryer makes it extra savory and wonderfully crispy. This method is perfect for a simple yet impressive meal.
Eel Preparation & Grilling Ingredients
- 1 whole freshwater eel, cleaned (medium-large size)
- A small amount of julienned ginger (for garnish and odor control)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’ve prepared one large eel. Cut it into pieces that will fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. Usually, cutting it into 3 to 4 sections works well.
Step 2
Notice the slimy coating on the eel’s surface? This is the main culprit behind its distinct smell. Gently scrape it off using the back of a knife or a spoon until the surface is clean. This step is crucial for removing any fishy odor.
Step 3
After cleaning, lightly rinse the eel under running water. Then, pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can lead to a less crispy result when cooking.
Step 4
Now, let’s prep the air fryer. Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with 2-3 layers of paper towels. This absorbs dripping oil and helps prevent the eel from sticking. Place the prepared eel pieces skin-side down in the basket. Cooking the skin side first ensures maximum crispiness.
Step 5
This is the first cooking stage. Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for about 15 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the eel and your air fryer model, so check periodically.
Step 6
While the eel is cooking, let’s prepare the ginger. Peel the ginger and then slice it into very thin julienne strips. This ginger garnish will enhance the eel’s flavor and further neutralize any remaining smell.
Step 7
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the eel from the air fryer and flip the pieces over, so the skin side is now facing up. Distribute the prepared julienned ginger evenly over the eel. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) for the second stage.
Step 8
Once the second stage of cooking is complete, cut the eel into bite-sized pieces if you haven’t already. Stand the pieces upright so that the cut sides are exposed, and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This final step ensures all sides are evenly cooked and achieve a perfectly crispy texture. Your delicious grilled eel is now ready to enjoy!
