Crispy Asian-Style Whole Plaice in Air Fryer
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat10gram
Protein26gram
Ingredients
- Whole plaice fish, cleaned and scaled (fresh or thawed)1 piece
- Soy sauce (preferably low sodium)2 tbsp
- Sesame oil1 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced3 cloves
- Fresh ginger, grated1 tbsp
- Honey1 tbsp
- Chopped spring onions (green part)2 tbsp
- Chili flakes (optional)1 tsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepperto taste n/a
- Cooking oil spray (canola or avocado oil)as needed n/a
This Asian-style whole plaice recipe cooked in an air fryer is a perfect blend of crispy texture and aromatic flavor, bringing a touch of Asian cuisine into your kitchen with minimal effort. Utilizing the air fryer makes it a healthier choice with less oil but still wonderfully crispy. The total ingredient cost is approximately $10 USD, €9, £7.5, or ₹800, suitable for a healthy diet focusing on lean protein. The dish takes around 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, making it an efficient and approachable dish for cooks of all levels.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, chopped spring onions, and chili flakes if using. Mix well to create the marinade.
Marinate the plaice
2Pat the whole plaice dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place the fish in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the fish is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
Preheat the air fryer
3Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and preheat for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Prepare the fish for air frying
4Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the marinated whole plaice in the basket in a single layer.
Cook the plaice in the air fryer
5Air fry the fish at 200°C (390°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through after 8 minutes for even cooking. The fish is done when the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish to check.
Serve
6Carefully remove the fish from the air fryer. Serve immediately with steamed rice or vegetables, garnished with extra spring onions or fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Tips
1Ensure the plaice is completely dry before marinating to achieve a crispy skin in the air fryer.
2Use a food thermometer to check that the fish reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
3If you don't have fresh ginger or garlic, you can substitute with 1 tsp each of powdered ginger and garlic, though fresh is preferred for best flavor.
4Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook the fish in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
5Allow the fish to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute for a moist texture.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer (recommended for food safety)
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula for flipping
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole plaice fish, about 400-500g ($6) – Choose fresh with bright eyes and firm flesh if possible.
- [ ] Soy sauce, low sodium ($1) – Opt for a quality brand for better flavor.
- [ ] Sesame oil ($2) – A little goes a long way; check for pure sesame oil.
- [ ] Garlic cloves ($0.50) – Fresh garlic for robust flavor.
- [ ] Fresh ginger ($0.50) – Look for firm, smooth skin.
- [ ] Honey ($1) – Choose pure honey for best taste.
- [ ] Spring onions ($0.50) – Fresh and bright green.
- [ ] Chili flakes (optional) ($0.50) – Adjust according to heat preference.
- [ ] Cooking oil spray ($1) – Canola or avocado oil spray best for air fryer.
Approximate total cost: $10
FAQ
Can I use frozen plaice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen plaice. Make sure to fully thaw and pat the fish dry before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is safely cooked when the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). The flesh should also be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, this method works well with other whole white fish like tilapia or sea bass. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on fish size and thickness.
Do I need to flip the fish during air frying?
Flipping halfway through cooking ensures even crisping on both sides, so it’s recommended for the best results.