Tender Whole Bass Air Fryer Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories240kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat8gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh bass, cleaned and scaled (choose fresh, firm flesh and shiny eyes)1 piece (~500g)
- Olive oil (extra virgin is preferred for flavor)2 tbsp
- Lemon (fresh, for juice and zest)1 piece
- Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled)3 piece
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)2 tbsp
- Salt (preferably sea salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)0.5 tsp
This recipe guides you to cook a tender and delicious whole bass in an air fryer, making it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Using simple ingredients and a quick method, even beginner cooks can master this dish. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD, €11 EUR, £9 GBP, and ₹960 INR. This recipe yields about 2 servings, is suitable for a gluten-free diet, and requires about 10 minutes of preparation plus 20 minutes of cooking time. Difficulty is easy. Safe cooking is emphasized, with recommended internal temperature for fish of 63°C (145°F) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
Preparation instructions
Prep the Fish
1Rinse the whole bass under cold running water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture. This step ensures that the skin will get crispy during cooking. Avoid splashing water in your kitchen to maintain hygiene.
Season the Bass
2Place the bass on a clean plate. Drizzle olive oil all over the fish, inside and out. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, rubbing it gently into the skin and inside the cavity. Mince the garlic cloves and add them inside the cavity along with half the lemon slices and some parsley. Zest the lemon and sprinkle the zest over the fish for a fresh aroma.
Preheat the Air Fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 3 minutes. This preheating step helps to cook the fish evenly and achieve a nice crispy skin.
Cook the Bass
4Place the bass in the air fryer basket, making sure it lies flat and doesn't overlap. Cook at 180°C (356°F) for 15 to 20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your fish and model of air fryer.
Check the Internal Temperature
5Using a food-safe digital probe thermometer, check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the fish flesh, behind the head. It should read at least 63°C (145°F), indicating the fish is safely cooked and flaky. If it has not reached this temperature, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes and recheck.
Rest and Serve
6Once cooked, carefully remove the bass from the air fryer. Let it rest for 5 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute, making the fish tender and moist. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle with remaining parsley. Enjoy your tender, crispy whole air fryer bass!
Cooking Tips
-For even cooking, choose a bass around 400-600g to fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.
-If you prefer, you can stuff the cavity with other herbs like thyme or dill for a different flavor.
-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and crisp skin.
-To keep your air fryer clean, line the basket with perforated parchment paper made for air fryers (if you have it).
-Always wash your hands and utensils after handling raw fish to prevent cross-contamination.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Food-safe digital probe thermometer
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl
- Spoon or brush for oil
- Paper towels
- Tongs or spatula for removing fish
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh bass (~500g): About $10 / €9 / £7.5 / ₹800. Choose fish with bright, clear eyes and firm flesh.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin preferred): About $0.50 / €0.45 / £0.40 / ₹40 for 2 tbsp. Ensure it's fresh for best flavor.
- [ ] Lemon (fresh): About $0.50 / €0.50 / £0.50 / ₹45 each. Choose firm, heavy lemons.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (fresh): About $0.30 / €0.30 / £0.25 / ₹20 for 3 cloves. Pick firm, plump cloves without mold.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional): About $1 / €0.90 / £0.80 / ₹110 per bunch. Select bright green leaves.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (likely in your pantry). Total approx cost: $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹960.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bass for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the fish dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. This helps ensure crispy skin.
How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
Insert a food-safe thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. It should read at least 63°C (145°F). The flesh should also be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use a different fish instead of bass?
Yes, you can use similar sized whole fish like trout or snapper. Adjust cooking time according to size and thickness.
How to avoid fish sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure to oil the fish and lightly oil or use perforated parchment in the basket. Also, avoid moving the fish too soon during cooking.
Is it safe to eat fish with skin on?
Yes, the skin is safe to eat when properly cooked. It adds flavor and helps keep the fish moist.