Crispy Asian-style air fryer hake fillets garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Crispy Asian-Style Air Fryer Hake Fillet

Crispy Asian-Style Air Fryer Hake Fillet
easystar
12 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs8gram

Fat10gram

Protein35gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Hake fillets (fresh or thawed) - choose firm, white fillets with no off smell400 g
  • Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)2 tbsp
  • Sesame oil (toasted gives best flavor)1 tbsp
  • Fresh ginger (grated) - look for firm ginger root, avoid shriveled1 tsp
  • Garlic (minced) - use fresh cloves for best flavor2 cloves
  • Honey or brown sugar1 tbsp
  • Rice vinegar (or lime juice as substitute)1 tbsp
  • Cornstarch (for coating)1 tbsp
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)2 tbsp
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)1 tsp
  • Salt and pepper (to taste, kosher salt recommended)to taste n/a

This recipe brings you a crispy, flavorful Asian-style hake fillet cooked easily in an air fryer. By using common ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, you create a tasty, healthy fish dish in under 30 minutes. The air fryer ensures a crispy outside and tender inside without the mess of frying. This recipe costs approximately $8.00 / €7.50 / £6.70 / ₹600 for ingredients and provides about 350 calories per serving, making it suitable for light and healthy diets. It is easy to prepare, perfect for beginners, and takes about 25 minutes total from start to finish.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the marinade and hake

1In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, and rice vinegar to create the marinade. Pat the hake fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better texture. Then, lightly season the fillets with salt and pepper.

Coat the hake with cornstarch

2Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the hake fillets and gently rub to coat all sides. This helps to create a crispy crust when air fried.

Marinate the hake

3Place the coated hake fillets into the marinade bowl, and spoon some marinade on top of the fillets to coat well. Let them marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature. Do not leave fish out longer than this to avoid food safety issues.

Preheat your air fryer

4Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and preheat for 3 minutes. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Arrange fillets in the air fryer basket

5Place the hake fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; leave space between fillets for air circulation.

Cook the hake

6Air fry the fillets at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking around 5-6 minutes for even browning. The hake is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and flakes easily with a fork.

Garnish and serve

7Carefully remove hake fillets from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side.

Cooking Tips

1If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour, though cornstarch yields a crisper crust.

2For added heat, add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade.

3Always use a food thermometer to check fish doneness; 63°C (145°F) is the safe internal temp recommended by the FDA for fish.

4Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish and other ingredients.

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Whisk or fork
  • Paper towels
  • Food thermometer
  • Tongs or spatula

Grocery Shopping List

  • [ ] Hake fillets, 400 g (~$6.00) - Choose firm, white fillets, fresh or properly thawed.
  • [ ] Soy sauce, low sodium (~$2.00) - Pick a good quality brand for better flavor.
  • [ ] Sesame oil, toasted (~$3.00) - Use for authentic nutty aroma.
  • [ ] Fresh ginger (~$0.50) - Select firm, unwrinkled roots.
  • [ ] Garlic, 2 cloves (~$0.20) - Fresh garlic cloves have more aroma.
  • [ ] Honey or brown sugar (~$0.50) - Adds sweet balance.
  • [ ] Rice vinegar (~$1.50) - Or substitute lime juice.
  • [ ] Cornstarch (~$1.00) - For coating.
  • [ ] Green onions (~$0.70) - For garnish.
  • [ ] Sesame seeds (~$1.00) - Optional, for garnish.

Total approximate cost around $8.00 depending on local prices.

FAQ

Can I use frozen hake fillets directly in the air fryer?

It's best to thaw frozen hake fillets fully in the refrigerator before air frying to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the hake fillets are cooked through?

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 63°C (145°F), and the fish should flake easily with a fork.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, white flaky fish like cod, pollock, or tilapia work well with this marinade and air fryer method.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the fillets in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.