Air Fryer Sardines

I’m not a huge fan of canned sardines, but I’ve been wanting to try cooking them in my air fryer. So, I did some research on how to do it and decided to give it a go. The verdict? They were surprisingly good! If you’re not sure whether or not you’ll like them, I recommend starting with just one or two sardines. Once you get used to the taste, you can work your way up to more.

Why cook Air fryer sardines

There are a few reasons why you might want to cook sardines in the air fryer. First, it’s a quick and easy way to cook them. Second, it can help to preserve their nutrients. And third, it can make them more palatable for those who are not used to eating them.

How to cook sardines in the air fryer

Cooking sardines in the air fryer is really easy. All you need to do is place them in the basket, set the temperature, and cook. Here is a step -by-step guide:

Ingredients

• Fresh sardines
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Dried rosemary
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 385 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. While the air fryer is preheating, rinse the sardines and pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. Zest a lemon into a small bowl. Add the salt, olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, and black pepper, and mix until well combined.

4. Rub the lemon mixture all over the sardines. Oil the air fryer basket with a pastry brush.

5. Place the sardines in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes, or until cooked through.

6. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges if desired.

Recipe tips

Serve the cooked sardines with fresh bread and a salad for a light lunch or dinner. Or, enjoy them as part of a larger seafood feast.

Substitutions and variations

If you can’t find fresh sardines, you can use canned sardines. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before cooking.

You can also experiment with different herbs and spices in the lemon mixture. Some other good options include thyme, oregano, or paprika.

If you want a bit of a crunch on your sardines, you can try adding some breadcrumbs to the lemon mixture before cooking.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen sardines in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen sardines in the air fryer. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking sardines?

Yes, it’s important to preheat the air fryer before cooking sardines. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the basket.

What is the best way to clean sardines?

To clean sardines, simply rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also remove the heads and guts if desired.

What are some good side dishes for sardines?

Some good side dishes for sardines include bread, salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

How long should I put sardines in an air fryer? 

You should cook sardines in the air fryer for 10 minutes. This will ensure that they are cooked through.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Leftover sardines can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How many sardines can I cook at once?

You can cook up to 12 sardines at once in the air fryer.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can use a different type of fish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have a lemon?

If you don’t have a lemon, you can use lime juice or white vinegar.

Can you cook canned sardines in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook canned sardines in an air fryer. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before cooking. Pinhas sardines are a good option.

Air fryer sardines are a healthy and delicious way to get your protein. They’re also inexpensive, so they make a great budget-friendly meal option. If you haven’t tried air fryer sardines yet, I urge you to do so. You won’t be disappointed! Have you cooked up some air fryer sardines lately? What did you think?