Crispy Air Fryer Smelts Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and healthy seafood recipe, these Air Fryer Smelts are perfect for you! These tiny fish are seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper, coated in flour for that extra crunch, and air fried to perfection. No need for deep frying – the air fryer makes them crispy and golden without oil. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just curious to try something new, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Smelts

• Deliciously Crispy: These smelts are perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying. The air fryer gives them a beautiful golden brown finish that is both crunchy and delicious.
• Simple Ingredients: With just smelts, flour, salt, pepper, and olive oil, this recipe uses minimal, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. From start to finish, you’ll have a tasty snack in just about 20 minutes.
• Healthy Cooking Method: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods, making this a healthier option without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Versatile Snack or Appetizer: These smelts are great as a quick snack or as an appetizer for your next gathering. Their unique flavor and texture will impress your guests and make for an interesting addition to any meal.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Smelts

• Smelts: These small, delicious fish are perfect for air frying. Ensure they are cleaned and gutted for convenience.
• Flour: Adds a crispy coating to the smelts. You can omit it for a low-carb option.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complements the fish nicely.
• Olive Oil: Used to grease the air fryer basket, preventing the smelts from sticking and adding a bit of richness.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Smelts

• Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring the flour and olive oil.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure the salt and pepper precisely.
• Ziploc Bag: Used for coating the smelts evenly with flour and seasonings.
• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the smelts to crispy perfection.
• Pastry Brush: Handy for greasing the air fryer basket with olive oil.

How To Make Air Fryer Smelts

• Place the cleaned smelts into a Ziploc bag.
• Add the flour, salt, and pepper to the bag.
• Seal the bag and shake it well to coat the smelts evenly with the flour and seasonings.
• Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also use a paper towel dipped in oil if you prefer.
• Arrange the smelts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 20 minutes, turning the smelts halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Once done, remove the smelts from the air fryer and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the air fryer smelts with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Pair them with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
• Enjoy them alongside a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.
• Serve as an appetizer with a platter of assorted seafood for a delightful seafood spread.
• Complement them with roasted vegetables or a side of crispy French fries for a satisfying meal.

Tips For Success

• Choose Fresh Smelts: Ensure you are using fresh, cleaned smelts for the best flavor. If you can find pre-cleaned smelts, it will save you time and effort.
• Pat Dry: Pat the smelts dry with paper towels before coating them with flour and seasonings. This helps the flour adhere better and results in a crispier texture.
• Single Layer Cooking: Arrange the smelts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping or overcrowding the fish can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
• Shake and Coat Evenly: When adding the flour and seasonings, shake the Ziploc bag well to ensure all smelts are evenly coated. This ensures consistent flavor and texture.
• Turn Halfway: For the best results, turn the smelts halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they cook evenly on all sides and become perfectly crispy.
• Experiment with Seasonings: While salt and pepper are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size of the smelts and the specific air fryer model. Check for a golden brown color and crispy texture to ensure they are done.
• Spray with Oil for Additional Browning: if you’d like them to be even more golden-brown, use the oil sprayer to spray with additional olive oil after you layer smelts in the basket.
• Serve Immediately: Air-fried smelts are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the air fryer. The crispiness may diminish if they sit for too long.
• Pairing Suggestions: Consider pairing the smelts with complementary sides and sauces to enhance the overall dining experience. Fresh lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a light salad make excellent accompaniments.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Variations And Substitutions

• Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can skip the flour altogether. The smelts will still turn out deliciously crispy, though slightly less crunchy than with the flour coating.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe. Both alternatives will provide a crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Smelts: Add a bit of heat to your smelts by incorporating spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes into the flour mixture. This will give your smelts a spicy kick that pairs well with their natural flavor.
• Herb-Infused Smelts: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill. Adding dried or fresh herbs to the flour and seasoning mixture will give the smelts an aromatic and flavorful twist.
• Garlic and Lemon Zest: For a fresh and zesty variation, add garlic powder and lemon zest to the flour mixture. This combination brings a bright, tangy flavor that complements the smelts beautifully.
• Parmesan Coating: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously crispy coating on the smelts.
• Asian-Inspired Smelts: Add soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil to the seasoning mixture for an Asian-inspired variation. This will give the smelts a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Substitute half of the flour with panko bread crumbs for an even crunchier texture. Panko will add extra crispiness and a satisfying crunch to the smelts.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based oil like coconut oil or avocado oil for greasing the air fryer basket. Additionally, substitute the flour with chickpea flour or another vegan alternative to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Butter and Herb: Instead of olive oil, use melted butter mixed with finely chopped herbs like parsley and chives for a rich and herbaceous flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover smelts in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked smelts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: To reheat the smelts and restore their crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the smelts in a single layer in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy.
• Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the smelts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
• Microwave Reheating: While not recommended for maintaining crispiness, you can reheat the smelts in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
• Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent the smelts from becoming soggy during reheating, avoid using too much oil and ensure they are spread out in a single layer, whether reheating in the air fryer or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen smelts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen smelts. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before coating them with flour and seasonings. This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, preheating the air fryer is not necessary for this recipe. Simply place the smelts in the air fryer and set the temperature and time as directed.

Can I make this recipe without flour?

Yes, you can omit the flour for a low-carb or gluten-free version. The smelts will still be delicious, though slightly less crispy. You can also use almond flour or a gluten-free flour substitute if you prefer.

How do I know when the smelts are done cooking?

The smelts are done when they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F. Depending on the size of the smelts and the specific air fryer model, cooking times may vary slightly.

What other seasonings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings. Garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, and dried herbs like thyme or dill are all great options to add more flavor to the smelts.

Can I cook smelts in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the smelts in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the smelts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

What should I serve with air fryer smelts?

Air fryer smelts make a great snack or appetizer. Serve them with fresh lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce. They also pair well with a light green salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy French fries.

How can I make the smelts extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, make sure the smelts are patted dry before coating them with flour. You can also add panko bread crumbs to the flour mixture for a crunchier texture. Cooking the smelts in a single layer and turning them halfway through the cooking time will also help.

Are smelts similar to sardines?

Yes, smelts are similar to sardines in that they are small fish that can be eaten whole, including the bones. However, smelts have a milder flavor compared to sardines and are often enjoyed for their crispy texture when cooked.

Can I use this recipe for other types of fish?

This recipe works best with small, thin fish-like smelts. However, you can adapt the method for other small fish varieties by adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness and size of the fish.

Other Easy Fish Recipes

Parmesan Breaded Cod: Deliciously crispy cod fish fillets coated in a savory Parmesan crust, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

Crispy Air Fryer Catfish Bites: These tender and crispy catfish nuggets are easy to make in the air fryer, perfect for a tasty snack or appetizer.

Air Fryer Swai Fillets: Light and flaky swai fish fillets cooked to perfection in the air fryer, offering a healthy and delicious dinner option.

How To Cook Salmon Bellies In The Air Fryer: Enjoy the succulent, flavorful air fryer salmon belly, perfectly crisped on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside.

Enhance Store-Bought Gefilte Fish: Transform store-bought gefilte fish with simple enhancements to elevate its flavor and texture for a more enjoyable dish.

Air Fryer Frozen Beer Battered Fish: Enjoy perfectly crispy and golden beer battered fish straight from the freezer to the air fryer, with no mess and all the flavor.

How To Cook Whole Fish In The Air Fryer: Discover how to achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown whole fish using an air fryer, delivering a healthy and delicious meal with minimal effort.

See also:

• Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

• Air Fryer Frozen Mussels Recipe

• Air Fryer Beyond Meat Burgers