Air-Fried Sardines with Fennel and Crunchy Cereal Topping
What Started it all:
Sardines, Fennel bulb, cereal, air fryer
This delightful and healthy recipe brings together the fresh flavors of sardines and fennel, with a delightful crunch from cereal. It's a perfect dish for a family meal, showcasing fresh and seasonal ingredients, and it's all done in the air fryer for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
- 8 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
- 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of plain cereal (like cornflakes), crushed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the sardines thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the sardines inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Thinly slice the fennel bulb and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Crush the cereal into small pieces and mix with a tablespoon of olive oil to help it adhere to the sardines.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Lay the sardines in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Spread the fennel slices evenly around the sardines.
- Sprinkle the crushed cereal mixture over the top of the sardines, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- Air fry the sardines and fennel for 10-12 minutes, or until the sardines are cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Carefully remove the sardines and fennel from the air fryer.
- Serve with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal with your family, celebrating the joy of cooking and eating together. The combination of fresh sardines, aromatic fennel, and a crunchy topping will surely become a favorite at your dining table!