Use your air fryer to grill mackerel fillets to perfection in not time and with a fraction of the mess. This delicious, flaky fish needs little adornment however I’ve taken a somewhat Japanese grilled mackerel approach which in my opinion honors the simple beauty and flavor of the fish. It is already salty and bursting with flavor, I’ve simply added a coating of sesame oil and garnished with a scan pinch of chili flakes and scallions. Honestly let that beauty shine. Further simplify your meal by pan roasting shishito peppers and enochi mushrooms.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you

JUMP TO RECIPE

Health Benefits of Mackerel:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Mackerel is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are essential for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body. These fatty acids are known to support cognitive function and may lower the risk of heart disease.
Rich in Protein: Mackerel is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle repair, growth, and overall body maintenance. Consuming an adequate amount of protein also helps you feel full and satisfied, making it beneficial for weight management.
Abundant in Vitamins and Minerals: Mackerel is rich in vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin A, as well as minerals like selenium and potassium. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and immune function, while vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. Selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
Low in Mercury: Compared to other types of seafood, mackerel is relatively low in mercury, making it a safer option for regular consumption, even for pregnant women and young children. However, it's still essential to consume mackerel in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What is the best cooking method for mackerel?

The positive reasons to use an air fryer to make Japanese Grilled Mackerel

Grilled mackerel is a dish cherished by seafood enthusiasts for its rich flavor and tender texture. When cooked in an air fryer, mackerel retains its natural juiciness while developing a crispy exterior that adds a delightful crunch to every bite. The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures even cooking, resulting in perfectly grilled mackerel with minimal effort.

What does grilled mackerel taste like?

Grilled mackerel is gorgeous all alone without seasoning. It is naturally salty and slighty sweet. It has a texture that is dry and flaky and soft. I feel it is a “meaty” fish in that it flakes somewhat dry as opposed to a Cod for example. That said, It is an oily fish and does have a strong fish taste and certainly for people who truly enjoy the taste of fish. The crispy skin, especially when air fried lends a lovely texture and can safely be eaten. The fat just under the skin is a beautiful flavor bomb in your mouth and reminds me of crispy bacon when properly crisped. A fish for fish lovers!

Wihtout further ado, here is the recipe

grilled mackerel recipe, Japanese style mackerel, grilled fish, air fryer grilled fish, easy grilled mackerel

dinner

Japanese

Yield: 4

Author: Celeste Duffy

Air Fryer Japanese style Grilled Mackerelhttps://youtube.com/shorts/su9o5auXfM8?feature=sharedEasy, beautiful, crispy skinned grilled mackerel in the air fryer! Yummm.2024-1-22

Air Fryer Japanese Style Grilled Mackerel

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Use your air fryer to achieve easy and quick Japanese style grilled mackerel. The end result is a crispy skin and flaky fish with minimal mess. Mackerel is a healthy fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and contains brain healthy fatty acids EPA and DHA

Ingredients

2 long Mackerel fillets. Look for these in your local Asian store in the freezer section.
3 Generous handfuls of Shishito peppers
1 package of Enochi mushrooms
Scallions
2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
3 tablespoons Rice wine vinegar
A Pinch of Chilli flakes
Steamed rice. This amount will vary depending on how much rice you would like to accompany your fish as a side dish.

Instructions

Prepare your fish by rinsing in water and cutting to the desired serving size. I used scissors to simply cut each filet in half and found that the resulting 4 fillets fit nicely into my 6qt Air Fryer.
Prepare a piece of parchment paper to line the bottom of your Air Fryer and place the fish. NOTE: This contains helps keep your appliance clean, the fish from sticking to the Air Fryer Grill and makes it easy to lift the fish out of the appliance.
Use the broil setting on your air fryer and start the cooking cycle. NOTE: For my appliance this took about 15 minutes including the preheat.
While the fish is broiling, on the stove top preheat your frying plan to a high heat
Add sesame to the frying pan once it has reached the high heat and place your shishito peppers.
Allow the shishito peppers to achieve a char by NOT stirring them for a few minutes. You'll want to but resist and let those blackened bubbles form on one side.
Once you can see a sear on the peppers on side THEN give them a stir.
When they have little blackened char spots where you want them, remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan you used for your peppers, add the enochi mushrooms. They will quickly soak up the flavor of the peppers and color nicely to a golden brown.
Once the mushrooms have softened and show some golden color, splash them with some rice wine vinegar to lighten their flavor and give some brightness.
By now the mackerel should have finished broiling and you can simply lift the parchment containing all the juices and fish out of the air fryer.
Plate a little mound of the peppers and mushrooms and place a piece of fish on top.
Garnish with fresh chopped scallions and a pinch of chili flakes.
Serve with fresh rice as a side if you desire.

Notes

NOTES: Lining the air fryer with parchment helps contain the juices and allows for easy lift out of the fish. Also the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer rack.

Mackerel is delicious on its own without drowning in sauces or spices. I urge you to discover the simple beautiful flavor on its own. This fish is truly a stand alone, delicious all by itself ingredient.