Crispy & Tender! Curry Mackerel & Simple Air Fryer Mackerel
Two Delicious Ways to Enjoy Mackerel: Savory Curry-Crusted and Simply Grilled
Discover a delightful mackerel recipe that will please the whole family! Using salted mackerel bought on sale, we’ve prepared two distinct styles. For my husband, who prefers a clean, unadorned flavor, we’ve simply air-fried it to perfection. For my son, who loves a bit more zing, we’ve coated it in a flavorful curry powder mixture before pan-frying. The air-fried version boasts a crispy exterior and moist interior, while the curry-coated one is golden brown and aromatic. This recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy mackerel, appealing to both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients- 4 salted mackerel fillets
- 3 Tbsp tempura flour
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- 4 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or sake)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly clean the salted mackerel by rinsing the inner cavity under running water to remove any residue. To reduce saltiness and any fishy odor, soak the mackerel in cold water or rice water for about 20-30 minutes. If you prefer a saltier taste, you can skip this soaking step and proceed directly to cooking.
Step 2
Next, trim the mackerel by removing the head, tail, and the hard dorsal and ventral fins. Then, cut the fish into manageable serving-sized pieces, typically 2-3 portions per fish.
Step 3
Lightly brush the inside cavity of each mackerel piece with cooking wine. This helps to further eliminate any fishy smell and enhances the overall flavor of the fish.
Step 4
Take some of the prepared mackerel pieces and place them in your air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C (356°F) and cook for approximately 15 minutes. This method yields a wonderfully simple, healthy, and moist grilled mackerel.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the curry-flavored mackerel. For the remaining mackerel pieces, we’ll create a flavorful coating. In a bowl, combine the tempura flour and curry powder. The tempura flour will ensure a crispy texture, while the curry powder adds its distinctive aroma and taste.
Step 6
Evenly coat each piece of mackerel with the tempura and curry powder mixture, ensuring both sides are well covered. For the coating to adhere better, let the coated fish rest for about 5 minutes before cooking.
Step 7
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of vegetable oil. Carefully place the curry-coated mackerel pieces into the hot oil. Fry one side until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
Step 8
Once the first side is beautifully browned and crisp, gently flip the mackerel pieces over. Cook the other side until it is also golden brown and the fish is cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure the inside is cooked without burning the exterior.
Step 9
Here is the curry-coated mackerel, perfectly pan-fried to a delicious golden hue. Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the pan and arrange it attractively on a serving plate.
Step 10
These are the mackerel fillets fresh from the air fryer. Keep in mind that air fryer models vary in performance. It’s a good idea to check on the fish periodically and adjust the cooking time or temperature if necessary to achieve your desired level of doneness.
Step 11
Arrange both the air-fried and the curry-coated mackerel on a serving platter for a visually appealing and flavorful meal. Enjoy your delicious homemade mackerel dishes!
