
Crispy Asian-Style Air Fryer Bass Fillet
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs12gram
Fat8gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Bass fillets (fresh or thawed)2 pieces
- Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)2 tbsp
- Honey1 tbsp
- Fresh ginger (grated)1 tsp
- Garlic (minced)2 cloves
- Sesame oil1 tsp
- Rice vinegar1 tsp
- Cornstarch (for coating)2 tbsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a
- Green onions (chopped, for garnish)2 tbsp
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)1 tsp

This Crispy Asian-Style Air Fryer Bass Fillet recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy tender fish with a crunchy, savory coating. Using the air fryer locks in moisture while creating a crisp exterior without excess oil, making it both healthy and delicious. The Asian-inspired marinade features soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey for balanced sweet and salty flavors. With minimal prep and quick cooking, this recipe is perfect for everyday home cooks seeking a fuss-free yet impressive dish. The total cost of ingredients is approximately 8 USD, 7.5 EUR, 6.5 GBP, and 600 INR. Each serving contains around 250 calories, suitable for a balanced, protein-rich diet. Difficulty is easy to medium and total time under 30 minutes, ideal for a quick dinner.
Preparation instructions
Marinate the bass fillets
1In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir well. Place the bass fillets in the marinade, making sure to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
Prepare the fillets for air frying
2Remove the bass fillets from marinade. Pat them lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over both sides of each fillet to achieve a nice crispy coating during cooking.
Preheat the air fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 3 minutes. This step ensures the fillets start cooking immediately and get crispy.
Air fry the bass fillets
4Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down if skin is on. Air fry at 200°C for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness at 10 minutes. The fish should be opaque, flake easily with a fork, and an internal temperature of at least 63°C (145°F) must be reached for safety.
Serve and garnish
5Remove the fillets carefully from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty finish. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your choice of sides.
Cooking Tips
-Always pat fish dry before coating in cornstarch to help achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer.
-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate properly and crisp the fish evenly.
-Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the bass reaches 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.
-If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute with 1/2 tsp ground ginger powder.
-For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch as is or use arrowroot powder.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels
- Food thermometer (recommended)
Shopping List
- [ ] Bass fillets (fresh or frozen) - Approx. $5: Choose fillets that are firm, moist, and smell fresh without fishy odor.
- [ ] Soy sauce (low sodium preferred) - Approx. $2: Look for naturally brewed soy sauce for better flavor.
- [ ] Honey - Approx. $1: Choose raw or pure honey for best taste.
- [ ] Fresh ginger - Approx. $0.50: Select firm, smooth skin ginger with no wrinkles.
- [ ] Garlic - Approx. $0.50: Use fresh bulbs, firm and without sprouts.
- [ ] Sesame oil - Approx. $3 (small bottle, you only need 1 tsp)
- [ ] Rice vinegar - Approx. $2 (small bottle)
- [ ] Cornstarch - Approx. $1 (small packet)
- [ ] Green onions - Approx. $0.50: Choose fresh, bright green stalks.
- [ ] Sesame seeds (optional) - Approx. $1
Total Approximate Cost: $8 to $10 depending on quantities and brands.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bass fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bass fillets but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake the fillets in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and crispy.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked and safe to eat?
The bass is fully cooked when the flesh is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Using a food thermometer is the best way to check.
Can I use other fish instead of bass?
Yes, you can substitute bass with similar white fish fillets like cod, tilapia, or snapper using the same cooking method.