With its delicate flavour and flaky texture, sea bass is an ideal choice for air frying. The fish turns out moist and tender inside, with a beautifully crispy skin on the outside. This air fryer sea bass dish is sure to become a family favourite. Offering a simple yet elegant meal that is perfect for any occasion. Imagine coming home after a long day, feeling tired, and still being able to whip up this delightful meal in no time. The air-fryer does all the hard work, ensuring the sea bass is cooked to perfection while you can focus on preparing the rest of your meal.
The combination of a tangy lime and sweet honey dressing with the savoury soy and fish sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavours that perfectly complements the natural taste of the sea bass. The dressing brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, delicate fish, elevating the dish without overpowering it. The lime adds a zesty punch, while the honey brings a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the dish.
This air fryer sea bass recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. The crispy skin contrasts wonderfully with the tender, flaky meat inside, giving you a delightful texture in every bite. The vibrant dressing, with its mix of lime, ginger, soy, and honey, adds a burst of flavour that enhances the fish without overshadowing it. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner or simply something quick and delicious, this recipe is a winner. So next time you need a light, flavourful meal, give this air fried sea bass recipe a try. And enjoy the perfect combination of crispy skin, tender fish, and vibrant flavours.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 8 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and silicone liner.
Ingredients for air fryer sea bass
2 sea bass fillets
1 packet of noodles
Spring onions
Red chillies
For the dressing:
Squeeze of a lime
1 garlic clove grated
1 tablespoons of ginger paste
2 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon of runny honey
A good pinch of pepper
Method
So I started by making the dressing – a bright, punchy blend that really brings the dish to life. I squeezed the juice of one lime into a small bowl, then grated in a fresh garlic clove for that savoury kick. Next, I added a tablespoon of ginger paste, two tablespoons of soy sauce, a teaspoon of fish sauce for that umami depth, a tablespoon of runny honey to balance the saltiness, and a generous pinch of black pepper. I gave everything a good mix until the honey was fully incorporated and set the dressing aside to let the flavours meld.
Then I turned to the sea bass. I placed the fillets in a silicone liner inside the air fryer basket and cooked them at 180°C for 8 minutes. My fillets were quite thick, so depending on the thickness of yours, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. At the halfway mark, I added a few trimmed asparagus spears right on top of the fish. They steam beautifully in the air fryer and pick up some of that lovely fish flavour.
While everything was cooking, I prepared my noodles according to the packet instructions. Rice would also work really well here if you’re in the mood for a different base.
Once the fish was cooked through and flaky, I plated everything up. I laid the sea bass fillets over a generous bed of noodles, poured the zingy dressing over the top, and finished it all with some finely sliced spring onions and thin red chillies for a fresh kick of spice.
This dish is light yet satisfying, packed with flavour, and comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining – minimal fuss, maximum flavour.
Tips for Air Fryer Sea Bass
1. Choose Fresh Fillets
Opt for fresh, skin-on Asian sea bass fillets for the best flavour and texture. The skin helps keep the fish moist and adds crispiness when air fried.
2. Pat Dry First
Before seasoning, pat the fillets dry with kitchen paper. This step ensures the skin crisps up nicely and helps the marinade stick better.
3. Marinate for Flavour
Marinate your sea bass for at least 15–30 minutes. Try a mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, lime juice, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for a classic Asian-inspired flavour.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 2–3 minutes. This helps the fish cook evenly and gives the skin a head start on crisping up.
5. Use Foil or Parchment
Line your basket with foil or parchment paper with holes punched in for airflow. This makes clean-up easier and helps prevent the fish from sticking.
6. Cook Skin-Side Down First
Place the fillets skin-side down and air fry for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Flip carefully halfway through if desired, though it’s optional for delicate fillets.
7. Don’t Overcook
Sea bass cooks quickly! It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Check early to avoid drying it out.
8. Garnish and Serve
Serve your sea bass with steamed rice, sautéed greens, or stir-fried veggies. Garnish with spring onions, coriander, lime wedges, or a drizzle of chilli oil for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Air frying brings out the delicate texture and flavour of Asian sea bass. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with umami!
Similar recipes
If you like this air fryer sea bass you might also like my air fryer fish fingers recipe.
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