Air Fryer Surmai Fish Fry

Ingredients

• 2 surmai fish steaks (kingfish) (about 400 g)
• 1½ tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric (optional)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
• 1½ tbsp besan or rice flour, for crunch (optional)
• A few curry leaves (optional)
• Salt, 1 tbsp oil (coconut oil works well)

Steps

1. Pat the surmai steaks dry, then rub with chilli powder, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice and salt on both sides.
2. Marinate for 20-30 minutes - surmai is a firm, meaty fish and holds up well to a longer marinade.
3. Pat the besan or rice flour over both sides just before cooking, pressing gently so it sticks.
4. Brush both sides with oil.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C, then arrange the steaks in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 7 minutes, then flip carefully.
7. Air fry a further 6-7 minutes (about 14 minutes total) until the crust is deep golden and the fish flakes easily at the thickest part.
8. Serve hot with curry leaves and lemon wedges.

Tip: Surmai is meatier than pomfret or basa, so it's more forgiving - a minute or two extra won't dry it out the way it would a thinner fish.

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Nutrition (per serving)

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