Stuffed anchovies in air fryer

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PRESENTATION

Stuffed anchovies, or ‘alici ripiene’ as they call them along Italy's beautiful Mediterranean coast, are the kind of appetizer that takes you straight to the seaside. Really good stuff. These little fish are packed with sweet raisins, chopped parsley, and the salty, sharp bite of pecorino cheese—all those classic flavors from Southern Italian kitchens. And here's the thing, what makes these stuffed anchovies air fryer style so fun is the crispy and light result. The air fryer’s quick blast of heat gives it that magic touch. Pretty much. It’s a simple twist on a traditional snack, bringing you those Mediterranean vibes without all that oil or fuss. I mean, people love how this recipe combines old-school flavor with a modern, speedy way to cook. It's perfect for entertaining or just chilling at home.

In those charming coastal Italian towns, you might see these served as part of a laid-back spread. And the sauce? Oh, it pairs perfectly with a touch of lemon, making the tender anchovies just pop. The filling adds a moist, savory flavor with each bite. Since the air fryer makes everything so golden and crunchy, you can totally enjoy seconds—no question. And listen, this approach to anchovy appetizers air fryer style fits right in with any casual get-together.

You can even mess around with different fillings if you're feeling adventurous. For real. Whether you’re into exploring new air fryer seafood recipes or just want a fresh way to enjoy classic food, this is something you'll come back to whenever you are in that Mediterranean mood. Plus, with ingredients that showcase the best of the region, and a method that makes snacking crispy and fast, these stuffed anchovies are a standout on any table. So, you know, they bring the taste of Italy’s coast to your home, making every bite a great culinary journey. Seriously good stuff.

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INGREDIENTS

Anchovies 8.8 oz (250 g) - already cleaned
Raisins 0.3 cup (50 g)
Pecorino cheese 0.4 oz (10 g)
Breadcrumbs ½ cup (50 g)
Fine salt to taste
Parsley 1 bunch
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
For the breading
Eggs 2
Breadcrumbs ¾ cup (100 g)
For serving
Mayonnaise 2 ½ tbsp (40 g)
Preparation

How to prepare Stuffed anchovies in air fryer

To prepare the stuffed anchovies in an air fryer, first soak the raisins for at least 10 minutes, then proceed with the How to Clean Anchovies. Remove the head, then gently press at the level of the gills 1 and open the anchovies like a book, removing the bone 2 and the innards. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all impurities and set aside 3.

For the filling, place the raisins 4, parsley 5, and salt 6 in a mixer.

Add the breadcrumbs 7, pecorino 8, and oil 9.

Blend until you obtain a coarse mixture 10. Fill the inside of the anchovies 11 and close them 12.

Dip them first in the egg 13, then in the breadcrumbs 14, and as you do, place them on a tray 15.

Transfer them to the basket of the air fryer lined with parchment paper 16 and cook at 355°F (180°C) for 15 minutes 17, turning them halfway through cooking. Your stuffed anchovies in an air fryer are ready to be enjoyed hot 18!

Storage

The stuffed anchovies in an air fryer should be consumed immediately after preparation.

Tip

For a richer filling, you can add pine nuts and grated lemon zest. If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the anchovies in a convection oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, and you will still get a golden and crispy breading.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.