Air Fryer Plaice Fillet
Air fryer plaice fillet is a quick way to get a golden breadcrumb coating on a delicate fish without a pan of oil. Plaice is thin, so the fillets are cooked in just 9 minutes at 200°C, and a light mist of oil is enough to colour the crumbs. Four fillets will not fit in one layer, so you cook two at a time and have supper on the table in about 35 minutes.
- Total
- 36 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 21 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 305kcal
Getting the coating to stick on air fryer plaice fillet
The crust holds when the fish is dry and the crumbs are pressed on. Keep one hand for the flour and egg and the other for the crumbs, so the coating does not clump on your fingers.
Cook the fillets in a single layer. Plaice is thin, so overlapping fillets steam rather than crisp, and the second batch needs the basket wiped of any loose crumbs first.
Making air fryer plaice fillet
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Set up the coating Put the flour in one shallow dish with half the salt and pepper. Put the beaten egg in a second dish. Mix the panko, lemon zest and the remaining salt and pepper in a third. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for .
- Coat the fillets Pat each fillet dry with kitchen paper. Dip it in the flour and shake off the excess, then in the egg, letting the extra drip away, and finally press it firmly into the crumbs on both sides.
- Cook the first batch Spray the basket lightly and lay 2 fillets in a single layer without overlapping. Spray the tops with oil. Cook at 200°C for , turning them carefully halfway through, until golden. Keep the first batch warm on a wire rack in the oven at 120°C (100°C fan), gas ½.
- Cook the second batch Repeat with the other 2 fillets. Check that the fish is opaque and flakes easily when you press the thickest part with a fork.
- Serve Serve straight away with the lemon wedges.
What to serve with it
Chips or potatoes and peas make it a classic supper. For a crunchy side, air fryer smashed potatoes can be cooked first and kept warm while the fish goes in. A spoonful of tartare sauce or a squeeze of lemon is all the fish needs.
When you would rather not use the air fryer, baked plaice fillet is the easy oven alternative.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Plaice Fillet
- The coating falls off when the fish is turned.
- The fillets were damp or the crumbs were not pressed on. Pat them dry first and press the panko in firmly, then turn them gently with a fish slice rather than tongs.
- The crumbs are pale in places.
- Spray every dry patch with oil before cooking and again after turning. Panko needs a little fat to colour.
- The fish is dry.
- Plaice is thin and goes from cooked to dry quickly. Start checking at 8 minutes and take the fillets out as soon as the flesh turns opaque.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Plaice Fillet
How long do you cook plaice fillets in an air fryer?
Breaded plaice fillets take 9 minutes at 200°C, turned halfway. Unbreaded fillets need only 5–6 minutes at 180°C.
Can you cook plaice fillets from frozen in the air fryer?
Thaw them in the fridge overnight first. Frozen fillets release water and the coating will not stick. Dry them well before breading.
Can you use ordinary breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes. Fine breadcrumbs give a flatter, denser crust, so press them on firmly and spray well with oil.
Can you cook plaice in the oven instead?
Yes. Bake the breaded fillets on a lightly oiled tray at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for 12–15 minutes, turning once.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 53 ratings
