Delicious crispy Asian-style whole hake freshly cooked in an air fryer

Crispy Asian-Style Whole Hake Air Fryer Delight

Name: Crispy Asian-Style Whole Hake Air Fryer Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 piece (about 500g) Whole hake fish, cleaned and gutted (choose fish fresh with clear eyes and firm flesh); 2 tbsp Soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1 tbsp Sesame oil; 1 tbsp Fresh ginger, grated; 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp Honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp Lime juice (fresh); 1/2 tsp Chili flakes (optional); 2 pieces Spring onions (scallions), sliced for garnish; a handful n/a Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, for garnish; as needed n/a Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil for greasing

Home Page / Air Fryer Cooking Recipes / Cooking Hake in an Air Fryer

easy

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories280kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat12gram

Protein37gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole hake fish, cleaned and gutted (choose fish fresh with clear eyes and firm flesh)1 piece (about 500g)
Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)2 tbsp
Sesame oil1 tbsp
Fresh ginger, grated1 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced2 pieces
Honey or brown sugar1 tsp
Lime juice (fresh)1 tbsp
Chili flakes (optional)1/2 tsp
Spring onions (scallions), sliced for garnish2 pieces
Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, for garnisha handful n/a
Cooking spray or a little vegetable oil for greasingas needed n/a

This recipe guides you through cooking a whole hake fish infused with savory Asian flavors, all done in your air fryer for a crispy, healthy result without the mess of deep frying. The fish is seasoned with classic Asian ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil to create a mouthwatering dish that's easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for family meals. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹950, making it an affordable and delicious choice. Nutritionally, the dish is rich in protein and moderate in fat, suitable for pescatarian and gluten-free diets. The recipe's complexity is easy, and it takes about 35 minutes from prep to finish, including marinating and cooking time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the marinade and fish

1In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, and chili flakes if using. Pat the whole hake dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps the skin crisp up in the air fryer. Score the fish on both sides with 2-3 diagonal cuts to allow the marinade to penetrate.

Marinate the fish

2Place the hake in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the marinade gets into the scored cuts. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before cooking.

Preheat and prepare air fryer

3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Cook the hake in the air fryer

4Place the marinated fish in the basket carefully. Cook at 200°C (392°F) for 15 minutes. Halfway through (around 7 minutes), carefully flip the fish to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

Check internal temperature and finish cooking

5The safe internal temperature for cooked fish is 63°C (145°F). Use a meat thermometer to check at the thickest part of the fish to ensure it’s fully cooked. If it hasn’t reached this temperature, continue cooking in 2-minute increments. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.

Serve and garnish

6Carefully transfer the crispy whole hake to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh sliced spring onions and coriander leaves. Serve with steamed rice or a light salad.

Cooking Tips

1Ensure the fish is dry before marinating and cooking; excess moisture can prevent crisp skin.

2If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check for doneness by seeing if the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

3For a spicy kick, add sliced fresh chili or extra chili flakes to the marinade.

4Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, especially if serving with salted sides.

5To avoid cross-contamination, use separate utensils and cutting boards when handling raw fish and wash hands thoroughly afterward.

Equipment needed

Air fryer
Small mixing bowl
Grater for ginger
Knife and cutting board
Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Cooking brush or spray
Serving platter

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole hake fish (about 500g) – Fresh fish counters often have fish with clear eyes and a fresh ocean smell
[ ] Soy sauce (low sodium preferred) – Look for a bottle with no added MSG
[ ] Sesame oil – Typically found with Asian cooking oils; a little goes a long way
[ ] Fresh ginger – Choose firm roots without wrinkles or soft spots
[ ] Garlic cloves – Firm and free of sprouts
[ ] Honey or brown sugar – Choose according to your preference for sweetness
[ ] Lime – Choose firm with a bright green color
[ ] Spring onions (scallions) – Bright green tops, firm stalks
[ ] Fresh coriander (cilantro) – Avoid wilted or yellow leaves
[ ] Cooking spray or vegetable oil – For greasing

Estimated total cost: Approximately $12 USD

FAQ

Can I use frozen hake for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure the fish is completely thawed and patted dry before marinating and cooking. Cooking times may vary slightly.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the marinated fish in an oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to get a similar texture.

How do I avoid the fish sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil before placing the fish. Also, drying the fish thoroughly helps reduce sticking.

Is it safe to cook whole fish in an air fryer?

Yes, as long as the fish reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and is cooked evenly, it is safe to eat. Use a thermometer to confirm doneness.