Crispy Lemon Air Fryer Whole Hake
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat10gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- whole hake fish, cleaned and gutted (about 1 pound) - choose fresh fish with clear eyes and a mild ocean smell1 piece
- lemon, thinly sliced1 piece
- olive oil2 tbsp
- garlic cloves, minced2 piece
- fresh parsley, chopped2 tbsp
- salt1 tsp
- black pepper0.5 tsp
This simple and flavorful recipe guides you through cooking a whole hake fish in your air fryer with fresh lemon and herbs. It delivers a crispy skin and juicy, tender flesh in about 25 minutes. Total ingredient cost is approximately $12, €11, £9, or ₹900. The dish contains roughly 250 calories per serving, fits a pescatarian diet, and is an easy recipe ideal for beginner cooks. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is 15 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the fish and marinade
1Pat the whole hake dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy finish. Rub olive oil all over the fish, inside and out. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on the fish. Place lemon slices and minced garlic inside the cavity of the fish. This adds flavor and aroma. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you heat the air fryer tube.
Preheat the air fryer
2Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) and let it preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
Cook the hake in the air fryer
3Place the hake in the air fryer basket, ensuring it fits comfortably and does not overlap the heating element. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the fish skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F). Use a food thermometer for safety. Cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and fish size.
Rest and serve
4Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the air fryer. Let it rest for 2 minutes. This allows juices to settle and yields a moist fish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fish before serving for a fresh herbal taste.
Cooking Tips
1Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F) to guarantee the fish is fully cooked and safe to eat.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw fish and other ingredients.
3If your hake is larger than 1.5 pounds, increase cooking time slightly while monitoring temperature to avoid overcooking.
4For added flavor, sprinkle some paprika or chili flakes before cooking if desired.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Food thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Paper towels
- Tongs or spatula
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole hake fish (about 1 pound) - Look for fresh fish with clear eyes and a mild ocean smell.
- [ ] 1 lemon - Choose firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin.
- [ ] Olive oil - Select extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic cloves - Fresh garlic bulbs for best aroma.
- [ ] Fresh parsley - Look for bright green, perky leaves.
- [ ] Salt - Regular iodized or sea salt.
- [ ] Black pepper - Freshly ground for best flavor. Approximate total cost: $12
FAQ
How do I know when the hake is fully cooked?
Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the fish; it should read at least 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
Can I use frozen hake for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to completely thaw and pat dry the fish before cooking to get a crisp skin and even cooking.
What if my air fryer is smaller than the fish?
You can either buy a smaller fish or cut the fish into fillets and cook them separately. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Pat the fish dry before brushing with oil to prevent sticking. You can also lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.