Air Fryer Masala Fish Fry

Ingredients

• 2 fish fillets or steaks (about 400 g)
• 1½ tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric (optional)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
• 1 tbsp besan or cornflour, for crunch (optional)
• A few curry leaves (optional)
• Salt, pepper, 1 tbsp oil

Steps

1. Make a thick paste of the red chilli powder, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, pepper, salt, besan or cornflour and a little oil — thick enough to cling to the fish rather than drip off.
2. Coat the fish fillets evenly with the paste.
3. Rest for 15–20 minutes so the marinade seasons the flesh and the flour starts to form a light crust as it sits.
4. Line the basket with perforated parchment and preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
5. Spray the fish lightly with oil and place it in the basket.
6. Air fry for 5 minutes.
7. Flip the fillets gently so they don't break apart.
8. Air fry for a final 5 minutes, until the coating is crisp and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
9. Serve with onion rings and lemon as soon as it's out of the basket, while the coating is still crisp.

Tip: Firm fish like kingfish (surmai) or hammour holds up best.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Estimated from standard ingredient data — actual values vary by brand and exact quantities used.

Serving & Storage