Air Fryer Mackerel Recipe – Spicy Indian Fish with Ginger & Chilli

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Mackerel Recipe – Spicy Indian Fish with Ginger & Chilli

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love a good fish curry or fry. But sometimes, you just want something quick, easy, and packed with flavour, right? Well, this Air Fryer Mackerel recipe is exactly that! It’s a family favourite, and honestly, it’s become my go-to when I’m craving a spicy, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I first made this when I was looking for a healthier way to enjoy my favourite Indian-spiced mackerel, and the air fryer worked like a charm!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple – minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. The air fryer makes it super quick, delivering crispy, flaky mackerel in under 20 minutes. Plus, the marinade is bursting with authentic Indian flavours – ginger, garlic, chilli, and fragrant curry leaves. It’s a little bit of spice, a whole lot of flavour, and seriously addictive!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious air fryer mackerel:

• 1.5 teaspoon thick ginger garlic paste
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 sprigs curry leaves (finely chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoon plain vinegar
• 3 tablespoon coconut oil or peanut oil
• 2 Mackerel fish (approximately 200-250g each), cleaned and scaled

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make all the difference.

• Coconut Oil/Peanut Oil: I prefer coconut oil for a subtle sweetness, but peanut oil works beautifully too, giving it a more traditional South Indian flavour. You can use about 30ml of either.
• Curry Leaves: These are essential! They add such a unique, aromatic flavour. If you can find fresh ones, definitely go for it. Dried curry leaves work in a pinch, but the flavour won’t be quite as vibrant.
• Regional Chilli Variations: Feel free to play around with the chilli! If you like it really fiery, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of red chilli powder. My friend’s grandmother always used Byadagi chilli powder for colour and mild heat – it’s gorgeous!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, clean your mackerel and make shallow gashes on both sides. This helps the marinade really penetrate and flavour the fish.
2. In a bowl, mix together the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, chilli flakes, salt, chopped curry leaves, vinegar, and oil. This is your flavour bomb!
3. Now, generously apply the marinade all over the mackerel, making sure to get it into those little gashes we made earlier.
4. Pop the marinated fish into a container and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F).
6. Place the marinated mackerel in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
7. Cook for 12-13 minutes, or until the fish is crispy and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the flesh flakes easily with a fork.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way…

• Don’t skip the marinating time! It really makes a difference in flavour.
• For extra crispy skin, lightly brush the mackerel with a little oil before air frying.
• If you’re worried about the fish sticking, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.

Variations

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

• Spice Level Adjustments: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of red chilli powder and chilli flakes. Or, for a real kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• Festival Adaptations: This recipe is fantastic for special occasions. During Onam or Vishnu Puja, my family loves to serve this with a side of rice and a coconut-based curry.
• My Family’s Twist: My sister loves to add a squeeze of lime juice to the marinade for an extra zing!

Serving Suggestions

This spicy mackerel is best served hot, straight from the air fryer! I love it with:

• Sliced onions
• Lemon wedges
• A side of fluffy rice
• A cooling raita (yogurt dip)
• Some simple steamed vegetables

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this recipe suitable for other fish types? Absolutely! You can use this marinade with other firm-fleshed fish like pomfret, kingfish, or even salmon.
• Can I marinate the mackerel for longer than 1 hour? Yes, you can! Marinating it overnight will result in even more flavour.
• What is the best way to check if the mackerel is cooked through? The fish is cooked when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
• Can I grill or bake the mackerel instead of using an air fryer? Yes, you can! Grill for about 8-10 minutes per side, or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.
• What side dishes complement this spicy mackerel? Rice, raita, and steamed vegetables are all great options. You could also serve it with a simple salad or some roasted potatoes.

Enjoy! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I love hearing from you all.