The sardine casserole in the air fryer is a main course that will win you over at the first taste. Easy to prepare, without eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and no need for breading, it is perfect for those looking for taste and lightness. A fried fish that, besides being light, is also delicious.
SARDINE SEASON: from March to October.
RECIPES with bluefish
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Energy 197.49 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 2.07 (g) of which sugars 2.06 (g)
- Proteins 27.26 (g)
- Fat 9.16 (g) of which saturated 1.99 (g)of which unsaturated 4.42 (g)
- Fibers 0.01 (g)
- Sodium 86.57 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 130 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Sardines in Air Fryer
- 1 lb 2 oz sardines (or anchovies)
- to taste lemon juice
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- to taste chili pepper (or oregano, savory, thyme)
Tools
- Air Fryer
- Baking Dish
Sardine Casserole in Air Fryer
How to clean sardines? They should be headless, gutted, and rinsed well under cold water.
Arrange the washed sardines in the baking dish, side by side (with the open side up), as if to compose a casserole.
Season the sardines with lemon juice, a drizzle of oil, and optionally, chili pepper.
Cook in the air fryer at 374°F for about 10 minutes, inserting the basket without waiting for the fryer to reach the temperature.
Preheat the oven to 356°F (static) or 338°F (fan-assisted). Cook the sardine casserole for about 20-25 minutes.
STORE the cooked sardines in the fryer
They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the fryer for 3 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use frozen sardines?
It’s better to thaw them first. In the air fryer, there is a risk that the outside cooks too much while the inside remains raw. Once thawed, dry them well before cooking.
What smell do they have? Does the kitchen get impregnated?
Much less than with classic frying! The air fryer tends to limit strong odors, although a slight sea scent is inevitable.
What side dishes go well with sardines?
Grilled Vegetables, fennel and orange salad, roasted potatoes, artichokes in a pan, or a nice mixed salad dressed with lemon.
How long should I cook fish in the air fryer?
It depends on the type of fish, its size, and whether it is whole, filleted, breaded, or plain.
🐟 For sardines (or similar small and thin fish):
If they are arranged in a single layer, 8-10 minutes at 356-392°F is enough.
If they are layered, it will take 12-15 minutes, always at 356-392°F.
🐟 For fish fillets (such as cod, sea bass, bream):
If they are thin, 10-12 minutes at 356°F.
If they are thicker, perhaps up to 15 minutes.
🐟 For whole fish (like a sea bream or a sea bass):
From 18 to 25 minutes at 356°F, depending on size (a medium sea bream of 12-14 oz takes about 20 minutes).
A useful tip: every air fryer has its way of “heating”, so when trying for the first time, keep an eye on the fish, especially during the last minutes.Can foods be stacked in the air fryer?
It’s better not to. Foods should be arranged in a single layer to cook evenly. A slight overlap can be fine, but it risks compromising crispness and even cooking.
