Air Fryer Karimeen Fish Recipe – Kerala Style Crispy Fry

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Karimeen Fish Recipe – Kerala Style Crispy Fry

Hey everyone! If you’ve ever been to Kerala, you know the magic of a perfectly fried fish. The crispy skin, the flavorful marinade… it’s just heavenly. I’m so excited to share my take on this classic – an Air Fryer Karimeen Fish recipe that brings all those amazing flavors to your table, but with way less oil! Trust me, this is a game changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about convenience without compromising on taste. Using the air fryer means a super crispy exterior and perfectly cooked fish, all in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a healthier way to enjoy this Kerala favorite. It’s become a regular in my kitchen, especially when I’m craving something flavorful and quick.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Karimeen Fry:

• 500 grams karimeen (pearlspot fish) or fish of choice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil / peanut oil
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or plain vinegar
• 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons chopped curry leaves
• 1.5 teaspoons red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 teaspoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons chopped shallot
• 2 sprigs curry leaves
• 6-7 garlic cloves (crushed with skin)
• 0.5 teaspoon red chilli flakes

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Karimeen (Pearlspot Fish) – A Kerala Specialty

Karimeen is the star of the show, traditionally. It has a beautiful, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture. But don’t worry if you can’t find it! Any firm white fish like pomfret, tilapia, or even cod will work beautifully.

The Role of Curry Leaves & Ginger Garlic Paste

These two are essential for that authentic Kerala flavor. Curry leaves add a lovely aroma and slight citrusy note, while the ginger garlic paste provides a fragrant base for the marinade. Don’t skimp on these!

Choosing the Right Oil – Vegetable vs. Peanut Oil

Traditionally, peanut oil is used for frying in Kerala. It has a high smoke point and adds a lovely flavor. But vegetable oil works just fine too – just make sure it’s a neutral-flavored oil.

Vinegar for Marinade – Apple Cider or Plain?

The vinegar helps tenderize the fish and adds a subtle tang. I prefer apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruity note, but plain vinegar works perfectly well too.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make the marinade. In a bowl, mix together the oil, vinegar, ginger garlic paste, curry leaves, red chilli powder, turmeric, pepper, and salt. Stir it all up until you have a nice, thick paste.
2. Now, wash the fish and pat it dry with paper towels. This is important so the marinade sticks well. Make a few shallow gashes on both sides of the fish – this helps the flavors penetrate.
3. Coat the fish evenly with the marinade, making sure to get it into all those little gashes. Really massage it in there! Then, pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F).
5. Place the marinated fish in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. You might need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Air fry for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes for larger fish), flipping halfway through. The fish is done when it’s crispy and cooked through.
7. While the fish is air frying, let’s make the crispy shallot topping. Heat the coconut oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, curry leaves sprigs, and crushed garlic cloves. Fry until the shallots are golden brown and crispy – about 5-6 minutes.
8. Stir in the red chilli flakes during the last minute of frying. Then, remove from heat.
9. Once the fish is cooked, sprinkle the crispy shallot topping all over it. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to help you nail this recipe:

Achieving Maximum Crispiness in the Air Fryer

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! This will steam the fish instead of frying it. Work in batches if needed.

Marination Time – Finding the Sweet Spot

15-20 minutes is good, but if you have time, you can marinate the fish for up to a couple of hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Making the Perfect Crispy Shallot Topping

Keep a close eye on the shallots while they’re frying. They can burn quickly! Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as they’re golden brown.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Karimeen Fry (Using Plant-Based Fish)

My friend Priya is vegan, and she loves making this with plant-based fish fillets! They work surprisingly well, and you get all the same amazing flavors.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your vinegar and spice blends don’t contain any hidden gluten.

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild, Medium, or Hot

Adjust the amount of red chilli powder and chilli flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chilli powder and omit the chilli flakes.

Festival Adaptations – Vishu & Onam Special

This dish is often made during Kerala festivals like Vishu and Onam. It’s a festive treat that everyone enjoys!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crispy Karimeen Fry with a side of steamed rice, sambar, and rasam for a complete Kerala meal. A squeeze of lemon juice over the fish just before serving adds a lovely brightness.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of fish can I substitute for Karimeen?

Pomfret, tilapia, cod, or any other firm white fish will work well.

Can I bake this fish instead of air frying?

Yes, you can! Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy as air frying, but it will still be delicious.

How do I know when the fish is cooked through?

The fish is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

What is the best way to store leftover fish fry?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Enjoy this taste of Kerala! I hope you love this Air Fryer Karimeen Fish recipe as much as my family does. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!