Crispy Air Fryer Whole Plaice with Zesty Lemon
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat15gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh plaice, cleaned and gutted (about 400-500g) - choose firm flesh and bright eyes1 piece
- Fresh lemon, thinly sliced1 piece
- Olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped1 tbsp
- Sea salt1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Garlic cloves, minced2 piece
This recipe guides you through cooking a whole plaice in your air fryer to perfect crispy, golden skin with juicy, flaky flesh infused with a bright lemon flavor. It's a quick, healthy, and straightforward meal that even beginners can master with ease. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD, 11 Euros, £9, or ₹960. The entire dish is about 350 kcal per serving, perfect for those enjoying a balanced, pescatarian diet. This recipe is easy in difficulty and requires roughly 35 minutes including prep and cooking time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the plaice
1Rinse the whole plaice under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure the fish is completely dry so it crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Season the fish
2Rub olive oil all over the fish, including inside the cavity. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the fish, then stuff the cavity with lemon slices and minced garlic. This infuses the fish with a bright, fresh flavor.
Preheat air fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even and immediate cooking once the fish is inside.
Arrange fish in air fryer
4Carefully place the whole plaice in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
Cook the fish
5Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 15-18 minutes. Halfway through cooking (around 8-9 minutes), carefully flip the fish to ensure even cooking on both sides and crisp skin.
Check doneness and internal temperature
6The fish is done when the skin is crisp and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. For food safety, check that the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches at least 63°C (145°F) using a food thermometer.
Garnish and serve
7Once cooked, carefully transfer the fish to a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and add extra lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Cooking Tips
1Ensure your fish is fresh and properly gutted for the best flavor and food safety.
2Use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature, which guarantees safe cooking of seafood.
3If your air fryer basket is small, you can cut the plaice into fillets; adjust cooking time accordingly to about 10-12 minutes.
4Avoid overcrowding the basket; air needs to circulate for the fish to crisp properly.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Food thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh plaice (about 400-500g), fresh fish should have shiny skin and bright eyes (~$9) – select from fresh seafood section.
- [ ] Fresh lemon (~$0.50) – pick firm and bright yellow without blemishes.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$2 for portion needed) – extra virgin is best for flavor.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (a small bunch) (~$1) – choose vibrant green leaves.
- [ ] Garlic (~$0.50) – fresh bulbs are preferred.
- [ ] Sea salt and black pepper (likely at home)
FAQ
Can I use frozen plaice for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the fish dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
What if I don't have a food thermometer?
Check if the flesh flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. However, a thermometer is best for safety assurance.
Can I substitute lemon with lime or other citrus?
Absolutely, lime or orange slices can add a unique citrus flavor if you prefer.
Is it necessary to flip the fish during cooking?
Flipping helps cook the fish evenly and crisps both sides, but if your air fryer circulates air well, you may not need to.