Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Hake Fillet
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat8gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Hake fillets (fresh or thawed) - choose firm, white flesh fillets with no fishy smell2 pieces
- Garlic cloves - fresh, firm, and plump3 cloves
- Olive oil - extra virgin for best flavor1 tbsp
- Lemon juice - fresh squeezed is best1 tbsp
- Salt - fine sea salt preferred1 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Dried parsley (optional) - for garnish and extra flavor1 tsp
This Crispy Garlic Air Fryer Hake Fillet recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, tasty, and healthy seafood meal. Hake fillets are tender, mild-flavored, and cook beautifully in the air fryer, becoming delightfully crispy on the outside while staying moist inside. Infused with garlic and simple seasonings, this recipe is approachable and ideal for beginners. The entire dish can be ready in under 20 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights. Safe internal cooking temperature for fish is 63°C (145°F), ensuring perfect doneness and food safety. Total ingredient cost is about $10 / €9 / £8 / ₹800. Each serving contains approximately 220 kcal. The dish is gluten-free and low-carb. Complexity: Easy. Cooking time: 12 minutes; Preparation time: 5 minutes; Total time: 17 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the garlic and marinade
1Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to make a marinade.
Marinate the hake fillets
2Pat the hake fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up nicely. Brush or spoon the garlic marinade evenly over both sides of each fillet. Let them marinate at room temperature while you preheat the air fryer (about 5 minutes).
Preheat the air fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the fish cooks evenly and crisps well.
Cook the hake fillets
4Place the marinated hake fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer model requires it. The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve
5Carefully remove the cooked fillets from the air fryer. Sprinkle with dried parsley if using and serve immediately with lemon wedges or your choice of side dishes.
Cooking Tips
1Always check the internal temperature of the fish using a food thermometer to ensure safety and proper doneness.
2Patting fish dry before marinating helps achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer.
3Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
4If you don't have fresh garlic, use 1/2 tsp garlic powder as a substitute.
5Use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw fish and other ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Food thermometer (recommended)
Grocery Shopping List
[ ] Hake fillets (2 pieces) - Approx. $7. Choose fresh-looking, firm fillets with a mild smell.
[ ] Fresh garlic cloves (3 cloves) - Approx. $0.30. Look for firm, plump cloves without sprouting.
[ ] Olive oil (small bottle or use what you have) - Approx. $3. Certified extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.
[ ] Lemon (1) - Approx. $0.50. Choose firm, bright yellow lemons without soft spots.
[ ] Salt and black pepper - May already have, approx. $0 if yes, or approx. $1 each if purchase needed.
[ ] Dried parsley (optional) - Approx. $1. Choose a fresh-looking green herb packet.
Total approximate cost: $10
FAQ
Can I use frozen hake fillets for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake the hake fillets in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 12-15 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
How do I know when the hake is fully cooked?
Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 63°C (145°F). Alternatively, the flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use other fish instead of hake?
Yes, white flaky fish like cod, pollock, or tilapia can be used with similar cooking times and temperatures.