Crispy Air Fryer Whole Bass — Quick & Easy Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories300kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat15gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh bass (cleaned and gutted, about 400-500g)1 piece
- Olive oil (for brushing)1 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced)2 pieces
- Fresh lemon juice1 tbsp
- Fresh parsley (chopped)1 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a
- Optional: smoked paprika or chili flakesa pinch n/a
This quick and easy recipe will guide you to perfectly cook a whole bass in your air fryer, delivering crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh. Ideal for a healthy dinner, air frying reduces oil use while enhancing flavors. The total ingredient cost is approximately $12 USD / €11 / £9 / ₹900. The dish serves 2 and contains about 300 calories per serving. It is suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets. The cooking process is straightforward with medium difficulty and takes about 30 minutes in total, making it an excellent choice for beginner home cooks. Remember to follow food safety tips carefully, especially checking that the fish reaches a safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
Preparation instructions
Preheat the air fryer
1Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
Prepare the bass
2Pat the whole bass dry inside and out using paper towels to remove excess moisture for crispy skin. Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and surfaces well afterward.
Season the fish
3In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (add paprika or chili flakes if using). Brush this mixture evenly over the entire fish, inside and out.
Place the fish in air fryer basket
4Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Lay the seasoned bass in the basket in a single layer without overlapping.
Cook the fish
5Air fry at 180°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through cooking (around 7 minutes) to ensure even crispiness. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Check internal temperature
6Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish, ensuring an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
Serve
7Carefully remove the fish from the basket. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips
-If your air fryer basket is small, you can remove the head of the bass before cooking to save space.
-Use a meat thermometer for guaranteed doneness to avoid undercooking or drying out.
-For extra flavor, stuff the cavity with lemon slices and fresh herbs before cooking.
-Avoid overloading the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
-Always clean your air fryer basket thoroughly after each use to prevent contamination and flavor mixing.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs (optional)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh bass (about 400-500g) - $10.00: Select a fish that smells fresh with clear eyes and shiny scales.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (2 cloves) - $0.50: Choose firm, unblemished cloves.
- [ ] Fresh lemon - $0.50: Look for lemons that are firm and heavy for their size.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (small bunch) - $1.00: Pick vibrant green leaves without yellowing.
- [ ] Olive oil (small bottle if not available) - $5.00 (optional if not at home): Choose extra virgin for best flavor.
Total approx: $12.00
FAQ
Can I use frozen bass for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat dry the bass before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
The flesh will be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach at least 63°C (145°F).
Can I use other types of fish?
Absolutely! This method works well for other whole fish of similar size like trout or snapper, adjusting cooking time if needed.
Do I need to flip the fish during cooking?
Yes, flipping halfway through the cooking time helps cook the fish evenly and achieve crispier skin all around.