Sea bass is delicate and quick-cooking, and the air fryer crisps the skin while keeping the flesh moist and flaky — an elegant Mediterranean dinner in under 10 minutes. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does sea bass take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry sea bass fillets at 200°C (400°F) for 7–9 minutes, skin-side up, until crispy and flaky.
Q: How do you get crispy skin?
A: Pat the skin dry, brush with a little oil, and cook skin-side up without turning.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fillets | 200°C / 400°F | 7–9 min |
| Whole (small) | 200°C / 400°F | 12–15 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Sea Bass
Ingredients
- 2 sea bass fillets
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Lemon, garlic, parsley
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Pat the skin dry; brush with oil and season.
- Air fry skin-up at 200°C for 7–9 minutes.
- Don't turn — let the skin crisp.
- Finish with lemon and parsley.
180 kcal
24g protein
0g carbs
9g fat
0.4g salt
Tips
- Dry the skin for maximum crispness.
- Don't turn it — cook skin-up throughout.
- Serve with Mediterranean veg and lemon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sea bass take in an air fryer?
Fillets take 7–9 minutes at 200°C, skin-side up. A small whole sea bass takes 12–15 minutes.
How do you get crispy sea bass skin?
Pat the skin completely dry, brush with a little oil, and cook skin-side up without turning so it crisps.
Is sea bass healthy?
Yes — it's a lean, high-protein white fish, low in fat and a natural fit for Mediterranean-style eating.