Crispy BBQ Whole Hake in Air Fryer – Flavorful and Easy!
Nutritional value per serving
Calories280kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat12gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- whole hake fish, cleaned and gutted (about 600g)1 piece
- olive oil2 tbsp
- smoked paprika1 tsp
- garlic powder0.5 tsp
- lemon juice2 tbsp
- salt1 tsp
- black pepper0.5 tsp
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)1 tbsp
This recipe shows you how to cook a whole hake fish with a delightful BBQ flavor using your air fryer. It’s a quick and healthy cooking method that yields crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Cooking the whole fish in the air fryer preserves its natural flavors and gives you an irresistible BBQ taste with minimal effort. The total cost for ingredients is approximately $12, €11, £9, or ₹900. The dish contains about 280 kcal per serving and is suitable for a light, protein-rich diet. Complexity is easy, and total cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prep the Fish and Marinade
1Pat the whole hake dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Rub this marinade evenly all over the fish, including inside the cavity. Set aside for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Preheat the Air Fryer
2Set the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and preheat it for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the fish cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Air Fry the Fish
3Place the marinated whole hake carefully in the air fryer basket, making sure it lays flat. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 15 minutes. Halfway through cooking (at 7 minutes), gently flip the fish using tongs or a spatula for even cooking and browning on both sides.
Check Cooking Temperature
4After 15 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hake at the thickest part; it should reach at least 63°C (145°F) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Rest and Serve
5Let the cooked fish rest for 2-3 minutes after air frying to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Tips
1If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can be a good substitute to add color and a different smoky flavor.
2Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the fish cooks evenly and the skin crisps well.
3Use kitchen tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the fish to avoid breaking the skin or tearing the flesh.
4Always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Kitchen tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole hake fish (about 600g) - Approx. $8 - Choose fresh fish with clear eyes and firm flesh at the seafood counter.
- [ ] Olive oil - Approx. $0.50 (for 2 tbsp) - Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
- [ ] Smoked paprika - Approx. $1 for small container - Adds smoky BBQ flavor.
- [ ] Garlic powder - Approx. $0.50 for small container - Adds depth of flavor.
- [ ] Lemons - Approx. $0.50 each - Choose firm and heavy lemons for juiciness.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - Pantry staples; use fresh ground pepper for best taste.
Total Estimated Cost: $12
FAQ
Can I use frozen whole hake for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the fish in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I add other spices or herbs to the marinade?
Absolutely! You can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or spices like cumin to customize the flavor to your liking.
Is it safe to cook whole fish in an air fryer?
Yes, cooking whole fish in an air fryer is safe as long as it reaches the safe internal temperature and you handle it properly to avoid cross-contamination.