In short: Air fryer anchovies: 180°C, 8-10 minutes, panko + EVOO spray. Crispy and clean. Total time 12 minutes. 90% less oil than traditional frying.
Table of contents
Why make anchovies in an air fryer
The air fryer replicates frying using hot air circulating at high speed. The result: a texture very similar to traditional frying with 90% less oil and no kitchen odors. For anchovies, it works exceptionally well because they are small fish and cook in minutes.
Total time: 12 minutes (3 prep + 9 cooking). Almost impossible to beat with another method.
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 500 g cleaned butterfly anchovies (anisakis-treated)
- 120 g Japanese panko (or fine breadcrumbs)
- 1 beaten egg
- 50 g flour (can be chickpea flour)
- Salt, pepper
- EVOO spray
- Lemon wedge for serving
Step-by-step recipe
- Preheat air fryer for 3 min at 180°C.
- Triple breading: flour → beaten egg → panko. Press to adhere.
- Spray EVOO over the breaded anchovies.
- Place in air fryer basket without overcrowding (better in two batches if necessary).
- 8-10 minutes at 180°C, flipping after 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with lemon and garlic mayonnaise on the side.
Tips for the perfect crisp
Panko is better than breadcrumbs. Japanese panko has larger flakes and gets crispier.
Classic triple breading. Flour+egg+breading provides more texture than a single breading.
Spray oil. A thin layer of EVOO spray on the breading helps it brown better.
Do not overcrowd. If the basket is full, air doesn't circulate, and the result is uneven. Two batches are better than one crowded one.
Flip halfway. Air fryers traditionally "don't need flipping," but for anchovies, they do: the top side browns first and gets crispier than the bottom if not flipped.
Variations
Gluten-free: chickpea flour + gluten-free panko (available at supermarkets).
Egg-free: dip anchovies in plant-based milk (almond, soy) and then directly into panko.
Spicy flavor: add Pimentón de la Vera + cayenne to the panko.
With cheese: 30% grated Parmesan mixed with the panko.
Premium Cantabrian anchovies
Anisakis-treated Cantabrian anchovies, ready for your air fryer. Gourmet quality from Mercat del Ninot.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should anchovies be cooked at in an air fryer?
How many minutes?
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Which breading works best?
Why do they sometimes turn out dry?
Do I need to spray oil?
To conclude
The air fryer is probably the best appliance for making quick anchovies at home: 12 minutes total, no odor, no mess, and crispy results. If you haven't tried it for fish yet, now's the time.
All anchovy and boquerone range
For a quick snack or for a premium budget: cans, jars, fresh. Artisanal selection.
