Crispy Lemon-Infused Whole Air Fryer Bass
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat15gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Whole bass, cleaned and gutted (about 1 lb / 450 g) - Choose a fresh fish with clear eyes and firm flesh.1 piece
- Fresh lemon - Look for lemons that are bright and heavy for their size.1 piece
- Olive oil - Use extra virgin for best flavor.1 tbsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped - Optional, for garnish.1 tbsp
- Garlic powder - Check the label for no additives.1/2 tsp
- Salt - Iodized or sea salt, to taste.1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste.1/2 tsp
This easy-to-follow recipe shows you how to make a beautifully crispy and juicy whole bass in your air fryer, flavored with fresh lemon and herbs. Ideal for home cooks looking to impress with minimal effort, the air fryer delivers perfectly cooked fish with golden skin and tender flesh. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15, €13, £11, and ₹1150. The dish contains roughly 350 calories per serving, is suitable for a gluten-free and pescatarian diet, rated easy in difficulty, and takes about 30 minutes total including prep and cooking time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the fish
1Rinse the whole bass under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and wash your hands. Make 2-3 diagonal slashes on each side of the fish to help it cook evenly and absorb flavors.
Season the fish
2Drizzle olive oil all over the fish, inside and out. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder evenly on both sides and inside the cavity. Slice half of the lemon and insert the slices inside the cavity along with a few parsley sprigs (optional). This will infuse the fish with fresh citrus aroma.
Preheat the Air Fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps ensure the fish cooks evenly and skin crisps up nicely.
Cook the fish
4Place the fish in the air fryer basket, making sure it lays flat and is not overlapping or crowded. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through cooking (around 7 minutes), carefully flip the fish using tongs or a spatula to crisp both sides. Cooking times may vary based on air fryer model and fish size.
Check for doneness
5Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish inside. The safe internal temperature for fish is 63°C (145°F). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If not done, cook 2-3 minutes longer and check again.
Serve
6Carefully transfer the cooked bass to a serving plate. Squeeze the remaining lemon half over the fish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Cooking Tips
-Make sure the fish is dry before seasoning to get crispy skin in the air fryer.
-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
-If you don't have fresh parsley, dried herbs like thyme or dill work well too.
-Balance the lemon flavor by adding some lemon zest to the seasoning mix.
-Always clean surfaces and utensils after handling raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.
Equipment needed
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife for cutting slashes
- Cutting board
- Food thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
- Small bowl for seasoning mixture (optional)
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole bass (about 1 lb / 450 g) - Fresh fish with clear eyes and firm flesh, usually available at regular supermarkets or fish markets; $10
- [ ] Fresh lemon - Choose bright, heavy lemons for juiciness; $0.50
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor) - Small bottle or from your pantry; $3 for small quantity
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - Bunch; $1
- [ ] Garlic powder - From spice aisle; $1
- [ ] Salt - From pantry
- [ ] Black pepper (freshly ground preferred) - From pantry
Total estimated cost: $15
FAQ
Can I use frozen whole bass for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispy skin.
What if I don’t have a food thermometer?
You can check doneness by piercing the thickest part of the fish with a fork; the flesh should be opaque and flake easily. However, using a thermometer is the safest way to ensure it's fully cooked.
Can I cook a different type of fish the same way?
Yes, similar-sized whole white fish like trout or sea bream can be cooked using this method. Adjust cooking time based on the size of the fish.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure the fish is well oiled before placing it in the air fryer. You can also lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.
Is it necessary to flip the fish halfway through cooking?
Flipping helps achieve even crispness on both sides, but if your air fryer circulates air well and the fish fits comfortably, you might get good results without flipping.