A simple and delicious Air Fryer whole bhetki fish fry recipe is available for you to try. This is an air fryer whole fish recipe that is a healthy fish dish using minimal oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence for seafood lovers!
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For the love of Whole Baby Bhetki Fish Fry in an Air Fryer
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly fried whole fish, and when you can enjoy that crispy goodness without the guilt of excess oil, it’s definitely a recipe worth sharing! I usually share recipes that I actually cook regularly for my family – dishes that are perfect for our needs and that we truly enjoy. This Air Fryer Whole Baby Bhekti Fish Fry is one of those recipes.
My fishmonger cleans and prepares the fish, so all I have to do is marinate it. Then, whether I’m back from the office or relaxing on a Sunday with Netflix or Prime, I simply pop the fish in the air fryer. My trusty air fryer does the rest!
Oh, and cleaning the air fryer can be a chore, right? I have a few tips to make it easier, so keep reading!
Watch how to make this Air Fryer Fish Fry
Frequently Asked Questions about Frying Fish in an Air Fryer
Trust me, air-fried fish is surprisingly delicious! While it offers a different taste experience compared to pan-fried fish or deep-fried fish, both are equally enjoyable. The best part? Air frying makes this treat healthier without sacrificing any of the flavor.
The cooking time depends on the type of fish you’re using. A whole fish, around 300g, usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook thoroughly. If you’re using a fish fillet, it will take even less time.
Definitely! Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep-frying or pan-frying, meaning fewer calories.
You can air fry almost any type of fish fillet or small to medium-sized whole fish, as long as it’s cleaned.
Not at all! I often use a single tablespoon of oil, especially when making Bengali bhaja-type dishes in the air fryer, and it works perfectly.
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Fish Fry | Whole Baby Bhetki Fish Fry in an Air Fryer
A simple and delicious air-fried whole bhetki fish fry recipe is available for you to try. This is an air fryer whole fish recipe that is a healthy fish dish using minimal oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 Whole Baby Fish / Bhetki Maach 500g – small size
- 1.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- 3 tablespoon Fried Fish Masala I use store-bought spice mix used for frying fish in Indian sub-continent for this recipe
- 1 Lemon
- 1 tablespoon Mustard Oil
Instructions
Cleaning and Cutting Fish
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The fish have been prepared by the fishmonger, who has already removed the scales, fins, and gills. The only additional step I need to take is to remove the internal organs, if present.
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This recipe uses a smaller Indian Barramundi, also known as Bhetki Maach, cooked in an air fryer. The specific type of Bhetki Fish used is called Chara Bhetki, which refers to its small size, with each fish weighing approximately 125-150 grams.
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Give a longitudinal cut and remove the internal organs of the fish. Now give a few slits on both sides of the fish. This will help marinate the fish with spices and keep the fish moist.
2nd Marination
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Mix 1 Tbsp. Mustard Oil with 3 Tbsp. Fried Fish Masala, 1 Tsp. Turmeric Powder, 1 Tsp. Red Chili Powder and 1 Tsp. Salt to make the spice rub for masala fish fry.
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Marinate fish properly with this spice rub and keep marinated at room temperature for 15 minutes.
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I do not use ginger garlic in this recipe. You can, however, add those if you prefer.
Frying fish in an air fryer
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Set the Air Fryer at 200 degrees and air fry for 15-17 minutes.
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Flip the fish in the midway once.
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Masala Fish Fry in Air Fryer will be ready after 15 minutes or so!
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Remove the air-fried fish and continue with the remaining fish.
Video
Notes
Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
Baby Bhetki Fish – The bhetki fish, also known as the Asian seabass, is a versatile and flavorful choice for this dish, as its firm, white flesh holds up beautifully to the air-frying process.
Store-Bought Spice Mix – I use a store-bought regular fried fish masala for this recipe. This makes the life easier.
Serving Suggestion
The simplicity of this air-fried bhetki fish fry recipe makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a delicious and nutritious seafood dish. The minimal preparation time and hands-off cooking method in the air fryer allow you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Serve this air-fried whole bhetki fish fry with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite Indian-style accompaniments for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Cleaning the Air Fryer
I use a liner inside the air fryer to keep it clean. Once you are done with the frying, discard the liner and wash the internal basket. Check the video to see how this is done.
Easy Fish Recipes
Pairing Air Fryer Bhetki Fish Fry with a Bengali Meal
Have you tried the Air Fryer Whole Fish recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!
Please inform me of your experience, and feel free to send a photo to [email protected]. Additionally, you can find me on various social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Pinterest, Google News, X, and Thread. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #debjanirrannaghar when sharing your attempts at my recipes or if you have any questions or recipe requests.
Here’s the Air-fried Fish Fry Recipe Pin for your Pinterest Board
About Debjani Chatterjee Alam
I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.
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