Air Fryer Mackerel

This air fryer mackerel fish are tender inside, with crispy skin and packed full of flavor. Learn how to cook mackerel in air fryer be it fillet or whole. It is easy, quick, ready in 10 minutes, and can be served with air fryer sliced potatoes, roasted carrots, or any side of your choice.

Air Fryer Mackerel Fish Recipe

This air fryer mackerel recipe is easy and you don't have to do much to get tasty mackerel fillets on the dinner table.

It is quick and from the prep step to cooking, it is ready to eat in less than 15 minutes.

This air fried mackerel uses a few ingredients. The ingredients needed are less than 5 and they are probably in your kitchen pantry already.

Mackerel is healthy fish that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, high in protein, and a good source of vitamins so it makes a healthy food for both kids and adults.

When air frying mackerel, I use a simple seasoning of pepper, garlic, and salt as mackerel fish is flavorful on its own and doesn't require much to enhance its flavors. You can use any seasoning of your choice to season it if you prefer.

Cooking mackerel in air fryer is a healthy alternative to deep frying it. Mackerels are oily fishes already and do not need much oil to cook. Whether it is the fillet or the whole mackerel fish, with this recipe, you get tender, moist, and flavorful fish with crispy skin.

It can be enjoyed with any side dish. We like serving it with air fryer veggies, air fryer baby potatoes, or Jollof rice.

Let me show you how to air fry mackerel.

Related: Air fryer tilapia

Ingredients

Mackerel fillet (You can also use whole)

Black pepper

Garlic powder

Salt

Olive oil

How To Cook Mackerel In Air fryer

Remove the mackerel fillet from its package, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels.

Mix oil, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt together in a small bowl.

Brush the seasoning paste all over the mackerel evenly. Arrange the mackerel in the air fryer basket skin side down.

Air fry mackerel at a temperature of 400F/200C for 4-5 minutes. Flip the mackerel and air fry them for another 4-5 minutes or till the skin is crispy as you like.

Remove mackerel fillets from the air fryer, serve and enjoy!

How Long To Cook Mackerel In Air Fryer

It depends on the thickness and size of the mackerel, and the temperature it's cooked at.

For example, cooking it at a lower temperature will take longer to cook and longer to get the skin crispy, and whole mackerel will take longer to cook than mackerel fillets.

At a temperature of 200C/400F, How long to cook mackerel in air fryer is 8-10 minutes.

How long to cook whole mackerel in air fryer is 12-15 minutes.

The timing would also be longer if the mackerel is frozen. Add additional 4-6 minutes if cooking from frozen.

Since cook time varies based on the size and freeze state of the fish, be sure to adjust the timer on the air fryer as needed.

An instant thermometer is a good tool that can be used to check if the fish is cooked. The internal temperature when cooked should be at least 140F. You can also check the inside with a fork but be careful not to split the fish into parts.

What To Serve With

Here are some suggestions of what to serve with:

Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions

Air fryer potato wedges

Baked vegetables

Pan fried Vegetables

Spicy rice

How To Store & Reheat

Fridge: Allow the mackerel to cool down, place the leftover in an airtight container or a Ziploc, and put it in the fridge where it will keep well for up to 5 days.

Freezer: To store it for longer, store it in the freezer. Place the mackerel fish in an airtight container or Ziploc. Label it and store it in the freezer where it will last up to two months.

To Reheat 

Reheat in air fryer: Remove the leftover from the storage container, arrange them in the air fryer, set the temperature at 190C/380F, and cook for 5 minutes or until heated. Remove and serve.

Reheat in Microwave: You can also heat in the microwave. Place the leftover in a microwavable plate and warm at high speed for 1 minute. Check if warm. You can increase the time at 30 seconds intervals until the desired result. Remove and serve.

Leftover mackerel can be used in stews, sauces, soups, sandwiches, and wraps.

Tips For Air Fryer Mackerel Fish

• Lightly season the mackerel. Mackerels are already flavored and do not need too much seasoning.
• Do not overcook it. Overcooking will ruin the texture of the fish.
• Mackerel is an oily fish. Use minimal oil. Too much oil will make the fish too greasy.
• You do not need to thaw the fish before cooking but if frozen, give it additional time to cook.

FAQS

More Air Fryer Fish Recipes

Air fryer salmon with skin

Frozen cod in air fryer

Air fryer tilapia

Air fryer haddock

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