Air fryer whole hake fish seasoned with garlic and herbs, crispy and golden brown

Crispy Garlic Whole Hake Air Fryer Delight

Name: Crispy Garlic Whole Hake Air Fryer Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 piece (about 500g) Whole hake fish, cleaned and gutted (fresh or thawed if frozen) - choose firm, shiny skin and fresh-smelling fish; 3 cloves Garlic cloves, finely minced - fresh garlic adds great aroma and flavor; 2 tbsp Olive oil - use extra virgin for best flavor; 1 tbsp Lemon juice - freshly squeezed for brightness; 1 tsp Salt - fine sea salt for even seasoning; 0.5 tsp Black pepper - freshly ground preferred; 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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

easy

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat15gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole hake fish, cleaned and gutted (fresh or thawed if frozen) - choose firm, shiny skin and fresh-smelling fish1 piece (about 500g)
Garlic cloves, finely minced - fresh garlic adds great aroma and flavor3 cloves
Olive oil - use extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
Lemon juice - freshly squeezed for brightness1 tbsp
Salt - fine sea salt for even seasoning1 tsp
Black pepper - freshly ground preferred0.5 tsp
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)1 tbsp

Enjoy a crispy and flavorful whole hake cooked easily in your air fryer with garlic and simple seasonings. This recipe ensures the fish is cooked safely and perfectly tender inside with a golden, crispy skin outside. Total ingredient cost is approximately $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900. The dish contains about 350 kcal per serving, is suitable for pescatarian diets, rated easy in complexity, and takes about 30 minutes including preparation and cooking time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the fish and marinade

1Pat the whole hake dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps to get a crispy skin. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the fish, including inside the cavity, ensuring even coverage. Let it marinate for 10 minutes. This rest allows flavors to absorb.

Preheat the air fryer

2Set the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and preheat it for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve an even cook and crispy skin.

Place the fish in the air fryer basket

3Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the whole hake flat in the basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation for even cooking.

Cook the hake in air fryer

4Cook the fish at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes. Halfway through cooking (after about 7 minutes), carefully flip the fish using tongs or a spatula to ensure even browning on both sides. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and fish size.

Check internal temperature and doneness

5The hake is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Use a food-safe instant-read thermometer to check by inserting into the thickest part of the fish near the bone. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If not quite there, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes and recheck.

Serve and garnish

6Carefully transfer the cooked hake to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.

Cooking Tips

1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw fish and other ingredients.

2If you don’t have a thermometer, look for opaque, flaking flesh to judge doneness, but a thermometer is safest.

3For an extra crispy skin, pat the fish dry again just before placing in the air fryer.

4Leftover cooked hake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to preserve moisture.

5Substitute hake with other white fish like cod or pollock, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Equipment Needed

Air fryer with basket
Instant-read food thermometer
Small mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board
Tongs or spatula
Measuring spoons

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole hake fish (approx. 500g) - $8 [Choose fresh with clear eyes and shiny skin]
[ ] Fresh garlic cloves (3 cloves) - $0.50 [Pick firm cloves without mold]
[ ] Olive oil (small bottle or from pantry) - $1.50 [Use extra virgin for flavor]
[ ] Lemon (1, for juice) - $0.50 [Choose heavy for its size]
[ ] Sea salt (to taste) - $0.50 [from pantry or small packet]
[ ] Black pepper (ground or fresh) - $0.50
[ ] Fresh parsley (optional, small bunch) - $0.50 Total approx. cost: $12

FAQ

Can I use frozen hake for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry very well to get a crispy skin.

How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?

The safest way is to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F). Fish flesh should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork.