Air Fryer Sea Bass: How Long To Cook?

Sea bass is a versatile fish that can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways. It is a healthy option that is low in calories, a great source of protein, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets, but on average, it takes about 5-10 minutes to cook a medium sea bass fillet in the air fryer. The ideal internal temperature for cooked sea bass is 63°C (145°F).

How to cook sea bass in an air fryer

Chilean sea bass is a type of Patagonian toothfish found in the waters off Chile and Antarctica. It is known for its rich, buttery flavour and flaky texture. It is also quite expensive, with prices reaching about $30 per pound.

Cooking sea bass in an air fryer is a simple and quick process that can be done in under 10 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Prepare the sea bass fillets: Start by gently patting the sea bass fillets dry using a kitchen paper towel. This helps remove any excess moisture from the fish, which is important for achieving a crispy texture.
• Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients until well combined to create a tasty marinade.
• Coat the fillets: Using a pastry brush, generously coat both sides of the sea bass fillets with the marinade. Make sure to get full coverage for optimal flavour.
• Place the fillets in the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 190˚C / 390˚F. Place the fillets skin side down in the air fryer basket. There is no need to preheat the air fryer before placing the fish inside.
• Cook the fillets: Let the fish cook for approximately 5-6 minutes for a 6-7 mm thick fillet. For thicker fillets, you may need to cook for up to 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking. The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 63˚C / 145˚F.
• Remove and serve: Once the fillets are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using a fish slice. Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately for the best flavour and texture.

Tips for Cooking Sea Bass in an Air Fryer:

• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the fish is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The fish is done when it reaches 63˚C / 145˚F.
• No need to flip: There is no need to flip the fillets halfway through cooking. The air fryer will cook them evenly without turning.
• Avoid overcrowding: For even cooking, make sure to leave some space between each fillet in the air fryer basket.
• Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavour, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled, and try to find unwaxed lemons for zesting.
• Storing and reheating: While it is best to eat the sea bass fillets immediately, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer's reheat function for a few minutes or microwave for 60-90 seconds.

Variations and Serving Suggestions:

• Seasoning variations: Experiment with different seasonings like Cajun spice, pesto topping, Asian-inspired glaze, or a Panko crust.
• Side dishes: Serve the air fryer sea bass with smashed potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, a Tuscan panzanella salad, dairy-free coleslaw, or cajun fries.
• Sauce suggestions: Pair the sea bass with a lemon butter sauce, rosemary lemon aioli, or a light ginger, soy, and chilli oil sauce.

Enjoy your delicious and flaky air-fried sea bass!

How to prepare sea bass for the air fryer

Preparing sea bass in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this delicate fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Sea Bass

Start by patting the sea bass fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove any excess moisture and ensure a crispy texture when cooking. Check the fillets for any bones and remove them if necessary.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings with olive oil to create a marinade. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with herbs, spices, and citrus juices. Mix the ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Fish

Use a pastry brush to generously coat both sides of the sea bass fillets with the marinade. Make sure the fillets are evenly coated for optimal flavour.

Step 4: Cook the Fish

Place the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer. There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 390°F, and cook for 5-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Keep a close eye on the fish as it can overcook quickly. The best way to check if it's done is to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired internal temperature. Alternatively, gently push the flat side of a wooden skewer through the thickest part of the fish; if it goes through with no resistance, it's cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed, making the fish succulent and flavourful. Serve the sea bass with your choice of sides and enjoy!

How to check if sea bass is cooked

There are several ways to check if your sea bass is cooked. Firstly, the fish will be opaque when cooked through, rather than shiny and translucent. Secondly, you can test the fish with a fork at an angle at its thickest point and gently twist—if the fish is cooked, it will easily flake apart. You can also use a cutlery knife to gently press the fish—if it's cooked, it will have lost its jelly-like texture and turned opaque. Finally, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fish will tell you if it has reached the correct internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C).

How to reheat sea bass

Sea bass is a delicious and flaky fish that can be cooked in an air fryer. But what's the best way to reheat it?

Firstly, it's important to note that fish is a delicate meat, and it's easy to overcook it. The best option for reheating sea bass will depend on whether it has been refrigerated or frozen. If you've refrigerated your leftover sea bass, it's recommended to consume it within 3-4 days. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is an option, but this may affect the flavour and texture.

Now, let's get into the methods:

Reheating in an Air Fryer

If you're looking to retain that crispy texture that the air fryer gives, you can reheat your sea bass in the air fryer itself. Set the air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC) and cook for 4-5 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the fish reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Reheating in an Oven

Preheat your oven to 275-350°F (but not higher than 350°F). Cover the fish with loose foil if it's unbreaded; leaving it uncovered if it's breaded or battered will help regain crispiness. Reheat for about 15 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F.

Reheating in a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is another option for reheating breaded and fried fish. Preheat the toaster oven to 275-350°F and cover the fish with foil. Continuously check on the fish to ensure it doesn't dry out, and remove it once it's warmed to your taste.

Reheating on a Stovetop or Skillet

If you don't mind a potential fishy smell, you can also reheat fried fish on a stovetop or skillet. Heat a skillet on low, add some oil, and place the fish in the pan. Cover and check every three minutes to ensure even heating. Flip as little as possible to prevent the fish from flaking.

Remember, when reheating sea bass, always aim for low temperatures and slow cooking to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and flaky sea bass!

How to cook frozen sea bass in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen sea bass fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon (optional)
• Meat thermometer

Method

• Prepare the sea bass fillets by coating them in olive oil and your chosen herbs and spices. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try a lemon and parsley seasoning, or even a Cajun spice mix.
• Place the seasoned fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Set the air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F and cook for 10-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them.
• The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Check this with a meat thermometer.
• Remove the fish from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Tips

• It is recommended to thaw frozen sea bass before cooking for more even cooking and to help retain moisture.
• If you want to get crispy skin, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel before adding any coating or seasoning.
• If you're worried about the fish sticking to the air fryer basket, spray it with some olive oil first.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Different air fryer brands may cook at different speeds, so keep an eye on your fish to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Frequently asked questions