
Crispy Asian-Style Air Fryer Pike Fillet
Nutritional value per serving
Calories280kcal
Carbs10gram
Fat10gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Pike fillets, skin on and boneless (choose fresh, firm flesh with no fishy odor)400 g
- Soy sauce (use low sodium for less salt)2 tbsp
- Honey (preferably natural)1 tbsp
- Fresh ginger, grated1 tsp
- Garlic, minced2 cloves
- Sesame oil (or neutral oil)1 tbsp
- Rice vinegar1 tbsp
- Ground black pepperto taste n/a
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)1 tsp
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)2 tbsp

This Asian-style air fryer pike fillet is a quick, simple recipe perfect for home cooks of any skill level. The fillets are marinated with savory soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey to create a mouthwatering glaze. Air frying gives you a crispy skin while keeping the fish tender and juicy inside. The total cost of the ingredients is approximately $10 / €9 / £8 / ₹800. The meal contains about 280 kcal per serving. It is a gluten-free, low-carb, and high-protein dish, suitable for a balanced diet. The recipe is easy, requires just 30 minutes total, and standard kitchen equipment.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Mix well to create the marinade.
Marinate the pike fillets
2Add the pike fillets into the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness.
Preheat the air fryer
3While the fish marinates, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
Place fillets in air fryer basket
4Remove the fillets from the marinade, letting excess drip off to avoid sogginess. Lay them skin-side down in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for best results.
Air fry the fillets
5Cook the fillets at 200°C for 10-12 minutes, checking at 10 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
Garnish and serve
6Carefully remove fillets from the air fryer. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables.
Cooking Tips
1Always use a food thermometer to confirm the pike fillet has reached an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to ensure it is safe to eat.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked fish.
3Pat the fish dry with paper towels before marinating to help the skin become crispier during air frying.
4If you don't have fresh ginger or garlic, you can use ¼ tsp of ground ginger and ½ tsp of garlic powder as a substitute.
5For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinade.
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Food thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Shopping List
- [ ] Pike fillets, 400 g (~$7): Choose fresh fillets with firm, translucent flesh and no strong fishy smell.
- [ ] Soy sauce, 2 tbsp (~$0.30): Opt for low sodium if preferred.
- [ ] Honey, 1 tbsp (~$0.50): Use natural honey for better flavor.
- [ ] Fresh ginger, 1 tsp grated (~$0.20): Look for firm, smooth skin.
- [ ] Garlic, 2 cloves (~$0.10): Fresh, firm cloves without sprouting.
- [ ] Sesame oil, 1 tbsp (~$0.40): Toasted sesame oil adds authentic taste.
- [ ] Rice vinegar, 1 tbsp (~$0.20): Mild and slightly sweet.
- [ ] Black pepper (to taste) (~$0.05)
- [ ] Optional: Sesame seeds and spring onions (~$0.50)
Total approximate cost: $9.25
FAQ
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake the pike fillets in an oven preheated to 200°C (400°F) for about 15-18 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
How can I tell if the pike is cooked?
The fish should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should be 63°C (145°F) when checked with a food thermometer.
Can I marinate the fish longer?
Yes, you can marinate for up to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating too long as the soy sauce and vinegar may start to 'cook' the fish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.