This article will teach you how to rehydrate your Long John Silvers fish in an air fryer; and it will teach you to do it in a way that will leave your guests completely mesmerized and craving more!
Sometimes you may want to prepare fish in a different way than normal. Maybe you had a special event that you were unable to prepare your normal fish to, or perhaps you just want to prepare fish the way that you like best. Whatever the reason may be, air-frying is a great way to prepare ultra-lean fish species that retain their moist-heat for an extended period of time. And what’s great is that you don’t need a fancy kitchenware store to achieve this very special meal. All you need are a few simple kitchen tools that you already have in your home. So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Measure Out The Fish
The first step is to measure out the fish. This can be tricky because you don’t necessarily want to use the same amount of fish as the recipe calls for. You want to be sure to maximize the amount of surface area that is in contact with the air. So, find a nice large bag and place the fish in it. Make sure that the bag isn’t packed too tightly, as too much air may escape when you seal it. You should also line the bottom of the bag with a few sheets of newspaper to prevent the fish from touching any moisture in the bag and becoming soggy. Finally, cut off a small piece of one of the corner to make it easier for you to seal the bag. You then want to label the bag with the contents and date, and set it aside.
Step 2: Clean The Fish
The next step is to clean the fish. Typically, when preparing fish for an air fryer, you wash it first in ice water to remove any impurities that may be present. After the fish has rested in the ice water for a few minutes, you then remove it and dry it with paper towels. When you are rehydrating your fish, it is not necessary to wash it first, as the ice water in which the fish was immersed while serving will help to cleanse it naturally. After you have dried it, you should immediately put it back in the refrigerator to keep it cold during the rehydration process. Some people prefer to put a piece of cloth on top of the fish to keep it moist while it is rehydrating, however, this is not necessary.
Step 3: Roughly Chop The Fish
The next step is to roughly chop the fish. While it is best to use a food processor to achieve the perfect texture that you are after, you can achieve a similar result with a sharp knife. Simply cut the fish into small pieces and put it in a bowl. Now, your dish will look fancier if you use a food processor, however, it will taste just as good if you used a knife. So, it is all about presentation here, not about taste!
Step 4: Pat The Fish Dry
The next step is to pat the fish dry. After you have cut it into small pieces, you should immediately put it in a bowl or on a baking sheet. You then want to move the bowl or baking sheet into the refrigerator so that it can cool down and reabsorb some of the moisture that was lost in the chopping process. While the fish is still somewhat moist, you can use your hands to lightly pat it dry. If any liquid remains on the surface of the fish, it will reabsorb once it has cooled down.
Step 5: Add The Seasonings
The next step is to add the seasonings. Always remember that your air fryer is there to help you save time, so you shouldn’t have to spend too much time thinking about what seasonings to use. Many people like to use freshly ground pepper as a seasoning, however, dried herbs can also work really well. If you are using freshly ground pepper, make sure that it is really freshly ground and not just from a jar. When you are using dried herbs, make sure to purchase the correct amount as specified in the recipe. You should also make sure to read the ingredients carefully, as some herbs may contain large quantities of sugar, which can also cause your food to burst into flames during the cooking process. If this happens, you have some serious self-cleaning to do!
Step 6: Transfer The Fish To A Serving Dish
The last step is to transfer the fish to a serving dish. You can use a pair of tongs or a slotted spoon to put the fish in the serving dish. Make sure to remove any excess liquid from the bowl before serving; this will keep your food from being soggy. If you have used a food processor to chop your fish, you can also use it to transfer the pieces to the serving dish. Simply scoop up the pieces with the processor in one motion; this will prevent any overpacking, which can leave you with a bunch of unappetising dry mush!
From here you can let your guests know what is inside the bag, and tell them how to prepare it. You might want to prepare a short instructional video on your phone showing them how to rehydrate their fish, as this can be tricky for some people to learn by trial and error. And don’t get discouraged if your first attempt at air-frying doesn’t come out perfect the first time. With some practice, you will be able to master this technique and have delicious fish available every time you need them!