Crispy Golden Air Fryer Plaice Fillet: Quick & Easy Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat8gram
Protein24gram
Ingredients
- Plaice fillets (fresh or thawed) - look for firm, shiny flesh with no fishy odor2 pieces
- Olive oil - use extra virgin for best flavor1 tbsp
- Lemon juice - freshly squeezed preferred1 tbsp
- Garlic powder - optional, for extra flavor0.5 tsp
- Paprika0.5 tsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a
This quick and easy Air Fryer Plaice Fillet recipe is perfect for home cooks who want a delicious, crispy fish dish without the mess of frying in oil. Using an air fryer keeps the fish light and healthy, while cooking it perfectly in just minutes. The recipe includes exact ingredient amounts, simple step-by-step instructions, and essential food safety tips to ensure your plaice fillet is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Total ingredient cost is approximately $8 / €7 / £6 / ₹650, with each serving providing about 220 kcal. This recipe is easy, requires minimal prep, and takes about 20 minutes total, making it perfect for everyday meals.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
1Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the plaice fillet cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Prepare the Fillets
2Pat the plaice fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps achieve a crispy texture. Then, brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil. Combine lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and brush this mixture onto both sides of the fillets.
Place Fillets in Air Fryer Basket
3Arrange the plaice fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Cook the Fillets
4Cook the plaice fillets in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 8-10 minutes. At about the 5-minute mark, carefully flip the fillets over using a spatula to promote even cooking and browning.
Check Internal Temperature
5Use a food-safe instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet. It should register at least 63°C (145°F), which is the safe minimum internal temperature for cooked fish according to food safety guidelines.
Serve and Enjoy
6Once cooked through and the flesh flakes easily with a fork, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer. Serve immediately with your choice of sides. Enjoy your crispy, golden air fryer plaice fillet! Remember to wash your hands and any utensils used thoroughly after handling raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.
Cooking Tips
1If you don’t have garlic powder, minced fresh garlic works well but add it before oiling so it doesn’t burn easily.
2For extra crispiness, lightly dust the fillets with a little cornmeal or breadcrumbs before air frying.
3Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
4Always use a food thermometer to confirm fish is cooked safely to 63°C (145°F).
5Rest cooked fish for a couple of minutes before serving to let juices redistribute for better flavor and moisture.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl for seasoning mix
- Measuring spoons
- Instant-read food thermometer
- Paper towels
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Plaice fillets (2 pieces) - $6.00: Choose fresh fillets with firm, moist flesh and avoid any with a strong fishy odor.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - $1.00: Look for cold-pressed oils with a fresh, fruity aroma for best flavor.
- [ ] Lemon (1) - $0.50: Pick lemons with bright yellow skin and heavy for their size for maximum juice.
- [ ] Garlic powder - $0.30: Keep in your pantry for a convenient garlic flavor addition.
- [ ] Paprika - $0.20: Adds color and mild smokiness; sweet or smoked paprika works.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper - pantry staples, check freshness and grind black pepper freshly for best taste.
Total Approximate Cost: $8.00
FAQ
Can I use frozen plaice fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen plaice fillets. Make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before cooking for best results.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can cook the plaice fillets in a conventional oven at 200°C (390°F) on a baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
Can I add other seasonings to the fillets?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like dill, parsley, or spices like cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.