Ever tried an air fryer fish kebab? I promise you, this recipe will make you rethink the way you enjoy your fish!
In our kitchens, getting that charred open-fire effect without the fuss of an actual grill is quite the trick. And I've found a way, using my trusty air fryer.
Tender white fish fillets, marinated to perfection, nestled between chunks of roasted vegetables, all skewered and cooked to golden glory. Sounds tempting, doesn't it?
If you're curious about how to pull this off, and trust me, it's easier than you think, keep scrolling. Your taste buds will thank you.
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Video Tutorial
Ingredients
- 8 oz white fish fillet
- Half a medium red onion
- ¼ bell pepper
- 2 oz eggplant
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Skewer set for the air fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Marinating plate
- Small plate for vegetables
- Paper towels
- Serving plate
Instructions
Place the white fish fillet on a plate. Sprinkle both sides with sugar and half of the amount of salt. Salt and sugar will help draw excess moisture from the fish's surface, resulting in a firmer texture and enhanced flavor. Allow it to marinate for 20 minutes.
While the fish is marinating, chop the vegetables. Cut them into small squares for easy skewering later, especially the onion.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C. I'm using the Instant Vortex Plus XL.
Rinse the fish fillet with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Cut the fish into small pieces. If the fillet is thick, try to cut it into cubes. If your fillet is thin, your kebabs may not look as uniform, but they will still be delicious.
Place the vegetables in the air fryer and add the olive oil. Air fry them for 5 to 10 minutes.
Note: Pre-cooking is essential because vegetables take longer to cook compared to the tender white fish fillet. To achieve a well-roasted finish, with some parts slightly charred for that open-fire effect, I bake the vegetables for 10 minutes. However, if you prefer your vegetables less cooked, reduce the air frying time.
Once the vegetables are done, transfer them to a small plate to cool. This will make them easier to skewer.
Thread the vegetables and fish onto the skewers alternately. If your fish fillet is thin, thread the pieces lengthwise to achieve a more even appearance.
Place them directly on the bottom of the air fryer basket, which should be lightly sprayed with cooking spray for easy removal later.
Note: If you have a special skewer set for the air fryer, you can use it. Otherwise, wooden skewers are a good alternative. Remember to soak them in water for 5 minutes before using.
Air fry the fish kebabs for no longer than 5 minutes. For extra flavor, consider drizzling the kebabs with lemon juice.
Tip: One fillet is enough to make 3 small kebabs, approximately one serving.
If you need more servings, you can prepare the vegetables and fish in advance and cook the kebabs continuously, serving them immediately. This will create an impressive presentation, resembling kebabs cooked over an open flame.
Serving Recommendations
- Pair these kebabs with a light, zesty salad to complement the flavors. Think mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette.
- A side of tangy tzatziki or a mint chutney can elevate the taste of these fish kebabs.
- Consider serving with a bowl of steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a fuller meal.
- Flatbreads or naan can be an excellent accompaniment, allowing you to wrap the fish and veggies for a delicious gyro-style meal.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Feel free to experiment with other fish types; salmon or tilapia could offer a richer flavor profile.
- If you're not a fan of eggplant, zucchini is an excellent alternative that roasts beautifully.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a touch of red chili flakes or paprika to your marinade.
- If you're keeping an eye on your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium alternatives for the seasoning.
- For a vegetarian twist, substitute the fish with firm tofu or marinated mushrooms.
Leftover Storage
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best not to freeze them as the texture of the fish can become too soft upon thawing.
For reheating, use the air fryer again at a lower temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 2-3 minutes or until they're warmed through.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always pat the fish dry after rinsing. This step ensures the fish gets a proper sear and doesn't steam.
- When skewering, try to ensure that the fish and vegetables are not too tightly packed. This ensures even cooking.
- Pre-cooking the veggies is crucial. Remember, they need a bit more time than the fish, and we want everything cooked to perfection.
- If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for a while. It prevents them from burning or charring during the air frying process.
- Keep a close eye on the final air frying of the kebabs. Fish cooks quickly, and we wouldn't want to overdo it.
Air Fryer Fish Kebab FAQs
Absolutely! An air fryer is an excellent tool for cooking raw fish. The circulating hot air ensures the fish cooks evenly, retains moisture, and gets a delightful outer crispness, much like traditional frying but without all the oil.
The cooking time for fish in an air fryer varies based on the thickness of the fillet and the type of fish. For white fish fillets, like in our kebab recipe, around 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is ideal. However, thicker cuts like salmon might require 8-10 minutes.
This might be due to overcooking the fish. White fish fillets can be delicate and cook rather quickly, especially in an air fryer. Always monitor the kebabs and adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer's efficiency.
Unevenly-sized vegetable pieces could be the culprit. Ensure that all vegetable chunks are roughly the same size for even cooking. Also, not pre-cooking the veggies long enough might lead to uneven results.
In wrapping up, these air fryer fish kebabs are more than just a meal—they're an experience, a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. I genuinely hope you relish each bite as much as I did crafting this recipe.
If you’re hungry for more air fryer wonders, check out our blog for an array of recipes and invaluable guides tailored just for you.
And hey, if you've given this recipe a whirl, don't be a stranger! Drop a comment below because I'd love to hear about your culinary adventure.
Happy cooking!
More Recipes You Might Like:
Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Fish Cakes Recipe
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Fish Tacos Recipe
Recipe
Air Fryer Fish Kebab Recipe
Equipment
- Skewer set for the air fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Marinating plate
- Small plate for vegetables
- Paper towels
- Serving plate
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the white fish fillet on a plate. Sprinkle both sides with sugar and half of the amount of salt. Salt and sugar will help draw excess moisture from the fish's surface, resulting in a firmer texture and enhanced flavor. Allow it to marinate for 20 minutes.
- While the fish is marinating, chop the vegetables. Cut them into small squares for easy skewering later, especially the onion.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
- Rinse the fish fillet with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cut the fish into small pieces. If the fillet is thick, try to cut it into cubes. If your fillet is thin, your kebabs may not look as uniform, but they will still be delicious.
- Place the vegetables in the air fryer and add the olive oil. Air fry them for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Note: Pre-cooking is essential because vegetables take longer to cook compared to the tender white fish fillet. To achieve a well-roasted finish, with some parts slightly charred for that open-fire effect, I bake the vegetables for 10 minutes. However, if you prefer your vegetables less cooked, reduce the air frying time.
- Once the vegetables are done, transfer them to a small plate to cool. This will make them easier to skewer.
- Thread the vegetables and fish onto the skewers alternately. If your fish fillet is thin, thread the pieces lengthwise to achieve a more even appearance.
- Place them directly on the bottom of the air fryer basket, which should be lightly sprayed with cooking spray for easy removal later.
- Note: If you have a special skewer set for the air fryer, you can use it. Otherwise, wooden skewers are a good alternative. Remember to soak them in water for 5 minutes before using.
- Air fry the fish kebabs for no longer than 5 minutes. For extra flavor, consider drizzling the kebabs with lemon juice.
- Tip: One fillet is enough to make 3 small kebabs, approximately one serving.
- If you need more servings, you can prepare the vegetables and fish in advance and cook the kebabs continuously, serving them immediately. This will create an impressive presentation, resembling kebabs cooked over an open flame.
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