Whole golden cooked plaice in air fryer served with brown gravy and lemon wedges

Crispy Whole Plaice Air Fryer Delight with Savory Gravy

Name: Crispy Whole Plaice Air Fryer Delight with Savory Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: General European
Ingredients: 1 piece whole plaice, cleaned and gutted (choose fresh with clear eyes and firm flesh); 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred); 1 piece lemon (for juice and garnish, pick firm and fresh); 1 tsp salt (fine sea salt preferably); 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor); 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried parsley; 2 tbsp butter (unsalted); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 250 ml vegetable or fish stock; 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for gravy depth)

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

easy

30 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs12gram

Fat18gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

whole plaice, cleaned and gutted (choose fresh with clear eyes and firm flesh)1 piece
olive oil (extra virgin preferred)2 tbsp
lemon (for juice and garnish, pick firm and fresh)1 piece
salt (fine sea salt preferably)1 tsp
black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)0.5 tsp
garlic powder0.5 tsp
dried parsley1 tsp
butter (unsalted)2 tbsp
all-purpose flour2 tbsp
vegetable or fish stock250 ml
soy sauce (optional, for gravy depth)1 tsp

This easy and flavorful recipe guides you to cook whole plaice in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh. Paired with a simple homemade gravy, this dish is perfect for a comforting yet healthy meal. The recipe is beginner-friendly, uses common ingredients, and minimizes mess with air frying. Ingredients cost approximately $15, €14, £12, or ₹1100 total. The dish provides around 350 kcal per serving and suits a pescatarian diet. Preparation and cooking time combined is about 45 minutes. The recipe is easy in complexity and includes important food safety tips such as cooking fish to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption and avoiding cross-contamination during preparation.

Preparation instructions

Prep the Plaice

1Rinse the whole plaice under cold running water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing moisture is key for a crispy skin.

Season the Fish

2Rub the plaice all over with olive oil, then season inside and out with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Squeeze half the lemon juice over the fish.

Preheat Air Fryer

3Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Cook the Fish

4Place the plaice in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 15 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer; it should read at least 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Rest the Fish

5Remove the plaice carefully and let it rest for 5 minutes on a plate. This helps retain juices and finish cooking gently.

Make the Gravy

6In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning to make a roux. Gradually whisk in vegetable or fish stock until smooth. Add soy sauce (if using) and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Serve

7Serve the whole plaice garnished with lemon wedges and drizzle with warm gravy. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips

1For more flavor, stuff the plaice cavity with lemon slices and fresh herbs like dill or parsley before air frying.

2Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation; cook one fish at a time if necessary.

3Use a digital food thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to avoid undercooked fish.

4To prevent cross-contamination, use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked fish, and wash hands well after handling raw fish.

Equipment Needed

Air fryer
Food thermometer
Small saucepan
Whisk
Cooking utensils (tongs, spatula)
Knife and cutting board
Paper towels

Shopping List

[ ] Whole plaice (fresh, about 400-500g) - approx. $10. When buying, look for clear eyes and firm flesh.
[ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - approx. $0.50 for 2 tbsp.
[ ] Lemon - approx. $0.50. Choose firm and bright.
[ ] Salt (fine sea salt) - approx. $0.10.
[ ] Black pepper (freshly ground preferred) - approx. $0.10.
[ ] Garlic powder - approx. $0.10.
[ ] Dried parsley - approx. $0.10.
[ ] Unsalted butter - approx. $1.00 for 2 tbsp.
[ ] All-purpose flour - approx. $0.10.
[ ] Vegetable or fish stock - approx. $2.00 for 250 ml.
[ ] Soy sauce (optional) - approx. $0.50 for 1 tsp.

Total Estimated Cost: $15.00

FAQ

Can I cook frozen whole plaice in the air fryer?

It's best to thaw whole plaice completely before air frying to ensure even cooking inside and avoid overcooked outer parts.

How do I check if the fish is cooked safely?

Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches at least 63°C (145°F). The fish flesh should also be opaque and flake easily.