Golden crispy air fryer hake fillets served with lemon wedges and parsley

Crispy Golden Air Fryer Hake Fillets

Crispy Golden Air Fryer Hake Fillets
easystar
15 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories280kcal

Carbs15gram

Fat10gram

Protein25gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Hake fillets (fresh, skinless, boneless) - choose firm flesh with no strong odor300 g
  • All-purpose flour - for coating the fillets lightly3 tbsp
  • Egg (large) - to help the coating stick1 piece
  • Breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)4 tbsp
  • Salt - to season1 tsp
  • Black pepper (freshly ground) - for seasoning0.5 tsp
  • Paprika (optional) - for color and mild flavor0.5 tsp
  • Olive oil spray or any cooking spray - to help crisp the coatingn/a to taste
  • Lemon wedges - for serving (optional)2 pieces

This Crispy Golden Air Fryer Hake Fillets recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare fish at home. Using an air fryer ensures a wonderfully crisp exterior with tender, flaky hake inside. The recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at any supermarket, and the instructions are designed to be beginner-friendly and foolproof. We emphasize food safety by recommending an internal cooking temperature of 63°C (145°F) for hake fillets and suggest best handling practices to ensure a safe and delicious meal. The total ingredient cost for this recipe is approximately $8, €7, £6, and ₹600, serving 2 people with about 280 kcal per serving. Suitable for pescatarian diets, this recipe is easy in complexity with a total cooking and prep time of 25 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the hake fillets

1Pat the hake fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick well and ensures crispiness. Season both sides with salt and black pepper (and paprika if using). Set aside.

Set up your coating stations

2In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, beat the egg lightly. In a third dish, put the breadcrumbs.

Coat the fillets

3Take each fillet, dredge it first in the flour and shake off excess, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Press gently so the breadcrumbs stick well. Place coated fillets on a clean plate.

Preheat your air fryer

4Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the fish cooks evenly and crisps nicely.

Cook the hake fillets

5Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated fillets in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes, then flip the fillets and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Check for doneness and safe internal temperature

6Use a meat thermometer and check that the thickest part of the fillets has reached at least 63°C (145°F). The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If not quite done, cook for 1-2 minutes more and check again.

Serve and enjoy

7Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, bright flavor.

Cooking Tips

1For extra flavor, add some garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to your breadcrumb mixture.

2If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the fillets in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

3Always avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw fish.

4Use a digital food thermometer to ensure accurate measurement of the fillet's internal temperature for safe eating.

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Three shallow dishes (for flour, egg, and breadcrumbs)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Small bowl (to beat the egg)

Grocery Shopping List

  • [ ] Hake fillets (300g) - ~$5. Choose fresh with firm flesh and mild smell.
  • [ ] All-purpose flour (small pack) - ~$1. Use any brand available.
  • [ ] Eggs (1 large) - ~$0.20. Look for fresh eggs.
  • [ ] Breadcrumbs, preferably panko (small pack) - ~$1.50. Panko gives extra crunch.
  • [ ] Salt and black pepper (small containers) - ~$1. Essential basic seasonings.
  • [ ] Paprika (optional) - ~$0.50. Check for smoked or sweet varieties depending on preference.
  • [ ] Olive oil cooking spray - ~$3. Helps crisp coating without excess oil. Total approx cost: $8 (prices vary by location and store)

FAQ

Can I use frozen hake fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen hake fillets. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before seasoning and coating to avoid excess moisture and sogginess.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the coated fillets in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway to get even crispiness.

How do I know when the hake fillets are safely cooked?

Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 63°C (145°F). Properly cooked hake will be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Can I substitute other types of fish for hake?

Yes, firm white fish like cod, pollock, or haddock work well with this recipe and cooking method.