Crispy and Tender Air Fryer Whole Plaice – Quick & Easy Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Whole plaice (cleaned and scaled)1 piece
- Olive oil1 tbsp
- Lemon (for juice and garnish)1 piece
- Garlic cloves (minced)2 cloves
- Fresh parsley (chopped)2 tbsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepperto taste n/a
Discover how easy and delicious it is to cook a whole plaice in your air fryer. This quick and easy recipe results in perfectly crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh. We'll guide you step-by-step, including the safe internal temperature to ensure your fish is cooked perfectly and safe to eat. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 (€13, £11, ₹1100), with about 350 kcal per serving. This recipe is suitable for a pescatarian diet, is easy to prepare, and takes about 30 minutes in total.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the air fryer
1Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This helps achieve a crispy skin on the plaice.
Prepare the plaice
2Pat the whole plaice dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is important for crispiness and to avoid sticking.
Season the fish
3Brush the plaice lightly with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly. Rub minced garlic and chopped parsley onto the fish. Squeeze half the lemon juice over the fish for added brightness.
Place plaice in the air fryer basket
4Carefully place the seasoned plaice in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Cook the plaice
5Air fry the plaice at 200°C (390°F) for 10-12 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the fish and your air fryer model. Halfway through cooking (around 6 minutes), carefully turn the fish over using tongs for even crisping.
Check for doneness
6Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish. The internal temperature should reach at least 63°C (145°F) to be safe to eat. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Serve
7Carefully remove the plaice from the air fryer. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips
1If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley or other fresh herbs like dill or thyme are good alternatives.
2Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
3Use a fish spatula or tongs to turn the fish carefully, so it doesn't break apart.
4For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes when seasoning.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Food thermometer
- Cooking brush
- Tongs or fish spatula
- Paper towels
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole plaice (about 400-500g) – Approx. $12. Choose fresh plaice with bright eyes and moist, not slimy skin.
- [ ] Olive oil – Approx. $0.30 for 1 tbsp. Opt for extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Lemon – Approx. $0.50. Pick firm lemons that feel heavy for their size.
- [ ] Garlic cloves – Approx. $0.20 for 2 cloves. Fresh and firm cloves are best.
- [ ] Fresh parsley – Approx. $1. Buy vibrant green bunches without yellowing leaves.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper – Pantry staples. Use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for best flavor. Total estimated cost: $14.00
FAQ
Can I use frozen plaice for this recipe?
Yes, if using frozen plaice, thaw it fully in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture for the best crispy results.
What if I don’t have a food thermometer?
You can check if the fish is done by seeing if the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, but using a thermometer is the safest method to ensure doneness.
Can I add other seasonings to the plaice?
Absolutely! Paprika, chili flakes, or your favorite fish seasoning blend can add extra flavor. Just adjust to your taste.
How do I avoid the fish sticking to the air fryer basket?
Patting the fish dry and lightly brushing with oil helps prevent sticking. Also, avoid moving the fish too early when cooking.