Crispy Whole Plaice Perfection in Your Air Fryer
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat15gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Whole plaice (cleaned, scaled, gutted)1 piece
- Olive oil1 tbsp
- Salt (preferably sea salt)1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper0.5 tsp
- Lemon wedges2 piece
- Garlic powder0.5 tsp
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped)1 tbsp
Discover how to make a wonderfully crispy whole plaice using an air fryer with this simple, foolproof recipe. This dish combines ease, safety, and great taste, ideal for beginner cooks looking for a quick seafood dinner. The total ingredient cost is approximately $15 (13€, 12£, 1100₹) and the dish offers about 350 kcal per serving. Suitable for a pescatarian diet, it takes about 15 minutes preparation and 15 minutes cooking time with medium difficulty. Enjoy a flavorful, healthy fish meal with minimal cleanup!
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Plaice
1Pat the whole plaice dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy skin. Rub the fish evenly with olive oil, then season inside and out with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer
2Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Cook the Plaice in the Air Fryer
3Place the whole plaice in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlap. Cook for 12-15 minutes at 200°C. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and fish size.
Check Internal Temperature
4Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish; it should reach a safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
Serve
5Carefully remove the fish from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.
Cooking Tips
1If you don't have garlic powder, a pinch of dried or fresh minced garlic works well.
2Patting fish dry is crucial for crisp skin—don't skip this step.
3Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
4Use a meat thermometer to guarantee safe internal temperature and perfect doneness.
5Leftover cooked plaice can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, make sure to cool it properly before refrigerating.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer (preferably instant-read)
- Paper towels
- Kitchen tongs or spatula
- Small bowl for seasoning
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh plaice (about 400-600g) – Approx. $12. Choose fish with bright eyes and fresh smell.
- [ ] Olive oil – Approx. $1 for the amount used. Pick extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Sea salt – Approx. $0.5. Coarse sea salt enhances crispiness.
- [ ] Black pepper – Approx. $0.5. Freshly ground for best aroma.
- [ ] Lemon – Approx. $1 for 2 wedges. Choose firm and heavy lemons.
- [ ] Garlic powder – Approx. $0.5. Alternatively, fresh garlic can be used.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) – Approx. $1. Look for vibrant green leaves.
Total Estimated Cost: $15
FAQ
Can I use frozen plaice for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the plaice and pat it dry before cooking to achieve the best crispy texture.
How do I know when the fish is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F). Also, the flesh should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I cook other whole fish in the air fryer using this method?
Absolutely! Similar-sized whole fish like sea bass or trout can be cooked this way; adjust cooking time slightly if they are larger or smaller.
How can I prevent the fish skin from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure to lightly oil both the fish and air fryer basket. You can also use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.