Air-Fried Hake: A Quick, Crispy, And Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make a quick, easy, and delicious meal. If you're looking for a healthy way to cook hake, an air fryer is an excellent option. In this article, we will teach you how to make hake in an air fryer, including a recipe for Air Fryer Hake Goujons. We will also offer some tips and tricks to get the most out of your air fryer and ensure your hake turns out perfectly.

How to Make Hake in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right fish

Type of Fish

White fish, such as cod, tilapia, haddock, halibut, and hake, tend to be the best options for air frying. These fish have a mild flavour and flaky texture, making them ideal for this cooking method. They hold up well during air frying and can be easily sourced.

Fresh or Frozen

You can use either fresh or frozen fish fillets for air frying. If you choose frozen fillets, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. This is important to prevent excess moisture from affecting the crispiness of the dish. To thaw frozen fish, leave it in the fridge overnight or submerge it in a sealed bag in cold water for a quicker option.

Fish Size and Shape

Try to select fish fillets that are of similar size and shape. This ensures even cooking, as they will cook at the same rate. Avoid fillets that are too thin, as they may not hold up well during air frying.

Sustainability

If possible, opt for sustainably caught fish. This way, you can enjoy your meal knowing that it was sourced in an environmentally responsible manner. Look for labels or certifications that indicate sustainable fishing practices.

Oil Type

When preparing your fish for air frying, you can use a variety of cooking oils. Choose an oil with a high smoke point to reduce the chance of smoking in the air fryer. Options such as light olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil are all suitable.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best fish for you will come down to your personal preference. Consider your taste preferences and the desired texture. For example, cod has a mild flavour, while catfish has a heartier texture and bolder flavour. Experiment with different types of fish to find your favourite.

Preparing the fish

Firstly, you'll want to choose your fish fillets. For this recipe, hake is a great option, but other white fish such as cod, tilapia, haddock, halibut, grouper, or snapper will also work well. Try to select fillets that are of similar size and shape so that they cook at the same rate. If your fish is frozen, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Once you have your fish, give it a quick rinse and pat it dry with paper towels. You want the fillets to still be slightly damp. This is an important step to ensure the seasoning or breading adheres properly.

Now, it's time to season the fish. You can either place the fillets directly into a bowl of seasoning and coat them evenly, or you can brush or spoon the seasoning over the fish. A simple seasoning mix can be made by combining Italian seasoning, garlic salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. However, feel free to get creative and use other herbs and spices that you enjoy.

If you prefer a breaded fish, you can dip the fillets into a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Press the mixture onto the fish to ensure it sticks.

After seasoning or breading the fish, it's a good idea to place the fillets on a baking rack to allow any excess flour or seasoning to fall off. This will help ensure a crispier coating.

Finally, if you're using an air fryer basket, lightly grease the bottom before placing the fillets inside. This will prevent the fish from sticking and make cleanup easier.

And that's it! You're now ready to start cooking your delicious and healthy hake in the air fryer.

Cooking the fish

The first step in cooking hake in an air fryer is to prepare the fish. Cut the hake fillet into your desired shape and size—either a whole fillet or strips will work. If you're using frozen fish, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Rinse the fish and pat it dry with paper towels, leaving the fillets slightly damp.

Next, you'll want to season the fish. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile. Mix your chosen seasonings with a little olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil of your choice. Brush this mixture over the fish fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Now it's time to cook the fish! Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F/180-200°C. Grease the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil or line it with perforated parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Place the fish fillets in the basket, leaving space between them so that the air can circulate properly.

Cook the hake for 6-12 minutes at 360°F/180°C or 7-10 minutes at 400°F/200°C. Halfway through the cooking time, open the basket and spray or brush the fish with oil to ensure it stays moist and develops a crispy exterior. Then, flip the fillets and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes until the fish is cooked through. You'll know it's done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C.

Finally, remove the fish from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried hake!

Serving suggestions

Hake cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Salads: Air fryer hake pairs well with a simple salad, such as a corn salad or a bed of lettuce with a healthy fish salad on top. You can also add some fresh lemon wedges to the side for an extra burst of flavour.
• Vegetable Sides: For a well-rounded meal, serve your hake with steamed or roasted vegetables. Some great options include asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
• Starchy Sides: If you're looking for something more filling, mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash are excellent choices. For a crispier option, consider air fryer potato wedges or oven-baked fries.
• Sauces: A variety of sauces can complement your hake. Try a lemon-dill sauce, tartar sauce, salsa, remoulade sauce, or even some hot sauce on the side.
• Dipping Sauce: If you're serving hake goujons, a delicious dipping sauce can be made by mixing lemon juice, mayonnaise, and chopped dill.
• Bread: For a heartier meal, use the hake to make fish tacos or a fish sandwich.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of sides and sauces to find your favourite pairings!

Storing and reheating

Storing:

• Allow the cooked hake to cool to room temperature. Storing hot food in the fridge can be unsafe and may affect the quality of your fish.
• Place the hake in an airtight container. This will prevent the fish from drying out and will keep it fresh for longer.
• Store the hake in the refrigerator. It is generally recommended to consume hake within 3-4 days of cooking. However, one source suggests that hake stored in an airtight container in the fridge can last up to 48 hours.
• Do not store the hake for longer than the recommended time. Fish can be highly perishable, and microorganisms can develop if left too long, leading to potential food safety issues.

Reheating:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. This temperature is essential to ensure the fish is thoroughly reheated and safe to consume.
• Place the hake fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. The air needs to circulate around each fillet for even cooking. You may want to place the fillets on parchment paper to prevent sticking, but check your air fryer manual first as some brands do not recommend this.
• Reheat the hake for a few minutes per side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of crispiness.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the hake in the oven at 350°F/177°C for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
• It is recommended to consume reheated hake immediately. Leftover fish should not be reheated multiple times, as this can affect food safety and texture.

Frequently asked questions