Crispy Air Fryer Whole Hake - Quick & Easy Seafood Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat6gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Whole hake fish (cleaned and scaled) - look for fresh, firm flesh and clear eyes when buying1 piece (around 500g)
- Olive oil - choose extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced2 pieces
- Fresh lemon juice - from about 1 lemon1 tbsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped - optional2 tbsp
- Salt - to taste, preferably sea salt1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground0.5 tsp
This recipe demonstrates how to cook a whole hake fish quickly and easily using an air fryer, resulting in a crispy outside and moist, tender inside. The whole hake is seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon to enhance its natural flavors. Using the air fryer accelerates cooking time while providing healthy, oil-minimal crispness. With a total ingredient cost estimated around $12 (10€ / £9 / ₹900), this dish provides a nutritious, protein-rich meal suitable for pescatarian diets. The entire process, including prep and cooking, takes about 30 minutes. This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring only basic kitchen skills and standard equipment. Food safety is prioritized, with key internal temperature checks to ensure fish is fully cooked to 63°C (145°F).
Preparation instructions
Prepare the fish
1Rinse the whole hake under cold running water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. This removes any moisture which helps achieve crispy skin. Make sure the fish is cleaned and scaled by the fishmonger or at home.
Season the fish
2Rub the fish inside and out with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle salt and black pepper. Stuff the cavity with half the minced garlic and a few sprigs of parsley if using. Drizzle lemon juice over the fish for brightness.
Preheat the air fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps give the skin a crispy finish.
Air fry the hake
4Place the whole hake in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes at 200°C (390°F). Halfway (around 7 minutes in), carefully open the fryer and drizzle remaining garlic on top for better flavor infusion.
Check internal temperature and finish cooking
5After 15 minutes, use a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish (not touching bone) to check internal temperature. It should reach at least 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. If not, return to air fryer and cook for additional 2-3 minutes.
Rest and serve
6Once cooked, let the fish rest for 5 minutes. This helps juices redistribute and improves texture. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with remaining parsley.
Cooking Tips
1Use a food thermometer to ensure the fish is fully cooked and safe to eat, reaching an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
2If your air fryer basket is small, you can cut the hake into portions but ensure even sizing for consistent cooking.
3To avoid cross-contamination, clean all surfaces and utensils that touched raw fish thoroughly. Wash hands well before and after handling raw seafood.
4For extra crispy skin, pat the fish completely dry before seasoning and cooking.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Food thermometer (recommended)
- Paper towels
- Knife and chopping board
- Small bowl for mixing seasoning
- Tongs or spatula for handling fish
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole hake fish (~500g) - approx. $9.00 *Tip: Choose fresh fish with bright, clear eyes and firm flesh. Avoid any fish with a strong fishy odor.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - approx. $2.00 for required amount *Tip: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
- [ ] Fresh garlic cloves - approx. $0.50 *Tip: Choose firm, smooth garlic bulbs without soft spots.
- [ ] Fresh lemon - approx. $0.50 *Tip: Pick lemons that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - approx. $1.00 *Tip: Look for bright green leaves without wilting.
- [ ] Sea salt and black pepper - already available in pantry or approx. $0.50
Total approximate cost: $13.50
FAQ
Can I cook frozen hake in the air fryer?
For best results, thaw frozen hake completely before cooking. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking and less crispy skin.
How do I know when the hake is fully cooked?
The safest way is to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. It should reach 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, this method works well for other whole white fish of similar size, like cod or sea bass.
How do I avoid the fish sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure to pat the fish dry before applying oil and seasonings. You can also lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.