Air fryer trout recipe

A plate with a serving of air fryer trout, steamed white rice with black sesame seeds, edamame, kimchi, and lime wedges, arranged on a reddish-brown dish with a fork resting by the kimchi.

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This air fryer trout recipe teaches a simple, reliable method using thickness-based timing, adaptable seasoning, and clear doneness cues. Serves: 2 (about 0.5 lb / 227 g per person).

Prep Time5

Total Time15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air fryer trout, air fryer trout fillets

Servings: servings

Author: ChihYu Smith

Ingredients

For the trout:

1 lb center-cut steelhead trout fillet about 1¼ inches (3 cm) thick at the thickest part
1 tbsp olive oil depending on the size of the fillet
1/2 tsp coconut brown sugar depending on the size of the fillet
Lime wedges for serving

For the salt and pepper seasonings:

½ tsp coarse sea salt
¼ tsp five spice powder
¼ tsp white pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder optional

US - Metric

Instructions

Prep the fish. Pat the trout dry with paper towels and transfer it to a large plate.
Oil and sugar. Drizzle the olive oil over the fillet and use your hand or a brush to distribute it evenly. Sprinkle the coconut sugar over the meaty side of the fish.
Season. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, five-spice, white pepper, garlic powder, and Sichuan peppercorn powder. Sprinkle a little over half of the seasoning evenly over the meaty side of the trout. Reserve the remaining seasoning for finishing.
Prepare the air fryer. Line the air fryer basket with an air-fryer liner to prevent sticking.
Air fry. Place the fish skin side down, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 9–10 minutes total, checking after 7-8 minutes.
Check doneness. The trout is ready when the thickest part reaches 140°F (60°C) on a digital thermometer. The residual heat will continue cooking the fish to the safe temperature of 145°F (63°C) while resting.
Finish and serve. Transfer the trout to a serving plate. I usually remove the skin before serving, as it peels off easily once cooked, but that’s optional. Taste and sprinkle with some of the reserved seasoning if needed, then drizzle with fresh lime juice just before serving. Serve hot or warm while the fish is juicy and moist.

Notes

Pairing suggestions: Serve with steamed rice and kimchi, or a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
Air fryer timing: Cooking time depends on thickness. For fish, internal temperature matters more than timing — use a thermometer whenever possible.
Using rainbow trout: Rainbow trout fillets are usually thinner than steelhead trout. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, checking at the 5-minute mark. The fish is done when it reaches 140°F (60°C) at the thickest part.
Storage: Store leftover trout in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Fish is best enjoyed fresh, but this method holds up well for short-term leftovers.
Reheat: Reheat gently to avoid drying out. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes, just until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in short bursts.

Nutrition