Air Fryer Pickled Fish
Introduction
Pickled fish is a classic dish enjoyed in many cultures, often made by marinating cooked fish in a tangy, spiced vinegar mixture. This Air Fryer Pickled Fish recipe offers a quicker, healthier take on the traditional method, delivering flaky, flavorful fish with a zesty, pickled taste. It’s perfect for serving cold with crusty bread, salads, or as part of a seafood platter.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
1 lb (450g) firm white fish (hake, cod, tilapia, or kingklip)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
For the Pickling Marinade:
1 cup white vinegar
½ cup water
1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp yellow mustard seeds
½ tsp black peppercorns
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp ground coriander
1 bay leaf
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 small carrot, julienned
1 clove garlic, sliced
1 red chili, sliced (optional for heat)
Instructions
Air Fry the Fish
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Pat the fish dry and brush with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Place the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove and let it cool slightly before cutting into chunks.
Prepare the Pickling Marinade
In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, turmeric, coriander, and bay leaf.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.
Add the sliced onions, carrots, garlic, and chili. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Marinate the Fish
Place the cooked fish chunks in a glass jar or deep container.
Pour the warm pickling marinade over the fish, ensuring all pieces are submerged.
Let it cool completely before sealing the container.
Refrigerate and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably 24-48 hours for the best flavor.
Serve chilled with fresh bread, crackers, or a crisp salad.
Total Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pickling Time: 5 minutes
Marinating Time: 12-48 hours
Tips for the Best Pickled Fish
Use firm fish – Softer fish may break apart in the pickling process.
Let it marinate longer – The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets!
Adjust the spice level – Add more chili for heat or more sugar for a slightly sweeter brine.
- Storage – Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Air Fryer Pickled Fish!