Mackerel's high fat content means it doesn't need added oil when air frying. The scoring prevents the skin from contracting too much. This page has the easy recipe, ingredients, and air frying instructions.
Ingredients
2 mackerel fillets (skin-on)
Salt and your seasoning of choice
Season it upPairs with Miso Ginger, Sesame Ginger, Citrus Pepper, or Lemon DillSee all seasonings →
Steps
01Pat the fillets dry.
02Score the skin lightly with 2 to 3 shallow cuts. This prevents the skin from curling as the fillet cooks.
03Season the flesh side. No oil needed because mackerel is a fatty fish with plenty of its own oil.
04Place skin-side up in the basket.
05Ready for the air fryer.
Mackerel is an oily, richly flavored fish. It doesn't need added oil because its high fat content bastes itself during cooking. The scoring on the skin is important because mackerel skin contracts aggressively when heated and curls the fillet into a C-shape if you don't release the tension. Three shallow cuts across the skin solves this.