Crispy Air Fryer Whole Hake: A Simple & Delicious Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs1gram
Fat12gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Whole hake fish, cleaned and gutted (about 600g) - Choose fresh fish with clear eyes and a mild sea smell.1 piece
- Olive oil - Use extra virgin for best flavor.2 tbsp
- Garlic, minced - Fresh is best for flavor.2 cloves
- Lemon, sliced - Organic preferred to use the zest if desired.1 piece
- Salt - Use fine sea salt for even seasoning.1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground - To taste.0.5 tsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) - Adds fresh color and flavor.1 tbsp
This recipe guides you through cooking a whole hake fish in an air fryer to achieve crispy skin and juicy, tender flesh inside. The air fryer cooks the hake quickly and evenly, making it perfect for an easy, healthy meal without much fuss. The fish is seasoned simply to enhance the delicate flavor, and the crispy skin adds great texture. This dish is budget-friendly with an approximate cost of $8 / €7 / £6 / ₹600 for all ingredients. It contains approximately 320 kcal per serving, is suitable for pescatarians, and is an easy-level recipe taking around 30 minutes in total to prepare and cook.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the fish
1Rinse the whole hake under cold running water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. This removes any surface slime and ensures a crisp skin when cooked. Make sure the fish is fully thawed if previously frozen.
Make slits on the fish sides
2Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slits on each side of the fish about 2 cm deep. This allows the heat and seasoning to penetrate and cooks the fish evenly.
Season the fish
3Rub the fish with olive oil all over, including inside the cavity and slits. Then sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on both sides and inside the cavity. Place minced garlic inside the cavity and some lemon slices inside as well.
Preheat the air fryer
4Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 3 minutes. This step ensures an even cooking temperature for crispy skin.
Place fish in air fryer basket
5Place the whole hake in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, you may need to trim the tail slightly. Make sure the fish is not overlapping or crowded for maximum crispiness.
Cook the hake
6Cook the hake at 180°C (356°F) for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and size of fish.
Check internal temperature and doneness
7Check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the fish (near the head) using a food thermometer. It should read at least 63°C (145°F) to ensure safe consumption. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Serve
8Carefully transfer the crispy hake to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices for squeezing on top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips
1If you prefer extra crunchy skin, spray a light mist of olive oil on the fish halfway through cooking.
2To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish and other foods.
3Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and crisp the fish evenly.
4Leftover cooked hake can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
5If you don’t have a thermometer, check for doneness by gently pressing the flesh with a fork; it should flake easily and be opaque inside.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
- Kitchen tongs
- Food thermometer
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole hake fish, about 600g (~$7) - Choose fresh fish with clear eyes and firm flesh.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$0.50) - Use extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic (~$0.20 for 2 cloves) - Fresh cloves provide best aroma.
- [ ] Lemon (~$0.30) - Look for firm, heavy lemons with bright skin.
- [ ] Salt (~$0.10) - Fine sea salt is preferred.
- [ ] Black pepper (~$0.05) - Freshly ground for aroma.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (~$0.30) (optional) - Look for vibrant, green leaves.
Approximate total cost: $8.45
FAQ
Can I cook frozen hake in the air fryer?
It's best to fully thaw the hake before cooking to ensure even cooking and to achieve a crispy skin.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can cook the hake in a conventional oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 20-25 minutes, but the air fryer gives a crispier skin with less oil.
How do I know if the fish is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F), or the flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use other fish instead of hake?
Yes, white fish like cod or pollock also work well with this method.