Whole cooked bass in an air fryer basket with gravy in a bowl

Crispy Air Fryer Whole Bass with Savory Gravy

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Whole Bass with Savory Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 piece Whole bass, cleaned and gutted (about 1 to 1.2 kg); 2 tbsp Olive oil; 3 piece Garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp Fresh thyme; 1/2 piece Lemon, thinly sliced; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black pepper; 2 tbsp Butter; 2 tbsp All-purpose flour; 250 ml Fish or vegetable stock; 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Home Page / Air Fryer Cooking Recipes / How to Cook Bass in an Air Fryer

medium

25 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat15gram

Protein40gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole bass, cleaned and gutted (about 1 to 1.2 kg)1 piece
Olive oil2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3 piece
Fresh thyme2 tsp
Lemon, thinly sliced1/2 piece
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper1/2 tsp
Butter2 tbsp
All-purpose flour2 tbsp
Fish or vegetable stock250 ml
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)1 tbsp

This recipe shows you how to prepare a whole bass in the air fryer to achieve a crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh, complemented by a rich, savory homemade gravy. It’s easy for home cooks with basic kitchen tools and common ingredients. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $18 (15€ / £13 / ₹1350). The dish serves 4, contains around 350 kcal per serving, and suits pescatarian and gluten-free diets. Cooking is medium difficulty, requiring about 15 minutes prep and 25 minutes active cooking time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the bass for cooking

1Pat the whole bass dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps the skin crisp up. Rub the fish inside and out with olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Insert lemon slices inside the fish cavity for flavor. This marination enhances flavor and moisture.

Preheat the air fryer

2Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) and preheat for 5 minutes. A preheated air fryer helps cook the fish evenly and creates a crispy skin.

Cook the bass in the air fryer

3Placing the fish carefully in the air fryer basket, cook for 20-25 minutes. At the 12-minute mark, check the fish and if your air fryer needs, carefully flip the fish to cook both sides evenly. Cooking time will depend on the fish size. Ensure internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) using a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the fish. This temperature guarantees the fish is safe to eat.

Make the savory gravy

4While the fish cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the fish or vegetable stock, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens, about 4-5 minutes. This creates a smooth, flavorful gravy to complement the fish.

Serve

5Remove the fish carefully from the air fryer. Serve whole or fillet at the table, topped with warm gravy and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious, home-cooked whole bass with gravy!

Cooking Tips

-Always use a clean thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure the fish is fully cooked and safe to eat.

-If you don't have fresh thyme, you may substitute with dried thyme but use about 1 teaspoon.

-To avoid cross-contamination, use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw fish and other ingredients.

-If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the bass in portions or fillets instead of whole.

Equipment

Air fryer
Meat thermometer
Small saucepan
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Tongs or heat-proof spatula

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole bass (1 to 1.2 kg) - approx. $12, look for bright eyes and fresh smell to ensure freshness.
[ ] Olive oil - approx. $0.50 for 2 tbsp, choose extra virgin for better flavor.
[ ] Garlic cloves - approx. $0.30 for 3 cloves, pick firm bulbs with tight skin.
[ ] Fresh thyme - approx. $1 for a small bunch, fresh herbs add better flavor.
[ ] Lemon - approx. $0.60 for one, choose firm and heavy for juiciness.
[ ] Salt and black pepper - pantry staples.
[ ] Butter - approx. $0.70 for 2 tbsp, unsalted butter preferred.
[ ] All-purpose flour - approx. $0.10 for 2 tbsp.
[ ] Fish or vegetable stock - approx. $2 for 250 ml, use low sodium if possible.
[ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - approx. $1 for a bunch.

Total estimated cost: $18

FAQ

How do I know if the bass is cooked correctly?

Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish. It should reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork.

Can I use frozen bass for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the fish in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry well to ensure crispy skin.

Can I substitute the bass with other types of fish?

Yes, similar-sized white fish such as snapper, sea bream or trout work well in the air fryer using this method.

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Make sure to pat the fish dry, coat it with oil, and if your air fryer basket is prone to sticking, you can lightly grease it or use perforated parchment paper made for air fryers.