1 serving (medium) of Fried Anchovy (120 g) has 252 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 5 g of carbs, 23.4 g of protein, 15.8 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 11 µg of B12 covers 460% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Fried Anchovy?

Fried Anchovy, known in Turkey as hamsi tava, is a Black Sea favourite made by coating small anchovies—often in cornmeal—and frying them until crisp. The fish are usually cooked whole or with the backbone removed, so the coating turns golden while the flesh stays tender.

In Turkey it is served hot with lemon, onion and greens, often with bread for sharing. Elsewhere, it makes a satisfying seafood meal or snack; try it with a simple salad and a squeeze of lemon. Anchovies provide protein, while frying makes the dish more substantial, so a fresh, lightly dressed side is a good balance.

Fried Anchovy Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

210

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

4.2g

· 2% DV

Protein

19.5g

· 39% DV

Fat

13.2g

· 17% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 8% · Protein 37% · Fat 55%

Fried Anchovy Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

9.2µg · 383% DV

4.2mg · 26% DV

0.21mg · 16% DV

Vitamin D

2.8µg · 14% DV

Minerals

Selenium

36µg · 65% DV

Phosphorus

260mg · 37% DV

Calcium

210mg · 21% DV

Iodine

30µg · 20% DV

How Nutritious Is Fried Anchovy?

Nutrient density

Very high

80/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

48/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Fried Anchovy Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Fried Anchovy

To burn the 210 calories in 100 g:

🚶

52min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

21min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

29min

Cycling

🏊

24min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Fried Anchovy Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Fried Anchovy Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish yes

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Fried Anchovy Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Fried Anchovy Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.8g

MONOUNSATURATED

5.2g

POLYUNSATURATED

2.2g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 0.2:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

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Foods Similar to Fried Anchovy

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Salmon Fillet

206 kcal

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Canned Tuna

116 kcal

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110 kcal

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Anchovy

What are fried anchovies?

Fried anchovies are small whole or split fish coated lightly in flour or cornmeal and cooked until crisp. They are especially popular in Mediterranean and coastal cuisines, where they are often served hot with lemon and simple sides.

How do you make fried anchovies crispy?

Dry the anchovies thoroughly, coat them lightly, and fry them in hot oil without crowding the pan. Excess moisture and too many fish at once lower the oil temperature, leaving the coating soft rather than crisp.

Do you eat the bones in fried anchovies?

Yes, small fried anchovies are often eaten whole, including their softened, crisp bones. If the fish are larger or you prefer not to eat the bones, split them open and remove the backbone before coating and frying.

Are fried anchovies the same as fried sardines?

No, fried anchovies and fried sardines are different dishes made with different fish. Anchovies are generally smaller and have a more pronounced savory flavor; sardines are usually larger, so their texture and the way they are cleaned can differ.

What do you serve with fried anchovies?

Fried anchovies pair well with lemon, a green salad, and fresh or grilled vegetables. In Turkish coastal meals, they may also be served with corn bread; a bright, crisp side balances the richness of the fried fish.

Can you make fried anchovies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make fried anchovies in an air fryer, though the coating may not be quite like deep-fried fish. Arrange lightly oiled, coated anchovies in a single layer, leaving space around them so hot air can circulate.

How do you clean anchovies for frying?

To prepare anchovies for frying, remove the head and innards, then rinse them briefly and pat them completely dry. You can leave the backbone in for small fish or remove it by opening each anchovy flat before coating.

How long do fried anchovies last in the fridge?

Fried anchovies keep for about two days in the refrigerator when cooled promptly and stored in a covered container. Refrigerate them rather than leaving them at room temperature, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

How do you reheat fried anchovies without making them soggy?

Reheat fried anchovies in a hot oven or in a skillet rather than the microwave to help the coating stay crisp. Spread them in one layer and heat until hot throughout; avoid reheating the same batch multiple times.

Are fried anchovies good for you?

Fried anchovies provide protein and omega-3 fats, but frying adds oil and makes them richer than fresh or grilled fish. They can fit into a balanced meal; pair them with vegetables and avoid relying on heavily salted portions.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026