Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Honey Chilean Sea Bass

This recipe isn’t just about quick cooking; it’s about a combination of flavor, health benefits, and sheer convenience that makes it a true standout. Here’s why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Chilean sea bass is renowned for being packed with healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily omit the honey from the glaze to create a delicious and healthy low-carb option without sacrificing flavor.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: Say goodbye to lengthy cooking times! This dish cooks to perfection in under 15 minutes in your air fryer, making it an ideal solution for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table in a flash.
• Irresistible Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet honey and a hint of red crushed pepper creates a truly captivating flavor profile. It’s incredibly delicious on its own and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, from classic white rice to our creamy, rich mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables and quinoa for a complete and satisfying dinner.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: Should you have any delightful leftovers, they can be easily stored in an air-tight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Reheat gently in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispy texture.
• Impressive & Effortless: The elegant appearance and exquisite taste of this dish will undoubtedly impress any guest, yet the actual cooking process is remarkably simple, requiring minimal effort and skill.

Key Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitutions

While Chilean sea bass is the star, understanding each ingredient and knowing your options can elevate your cooking experience. Here’s what you need to know:

• Chilean Sea Bass: This luxurious fish is known for its rich, buttery flavor and incredibly flaky, tender texture. It can indeed be a pricier option, often costing around $30 per pound or more, depending on your location and the vendor. This higher price reflects its deep-sea origin and regulated fishing practices. When purchasing, look for firm, white flesh with no strong “fishy” odor. If fresh Chilean sea bass is outside your budget or unavailable, don’t worry! You can achieve a similarly delicious result with other types of firm, white, meaty fish like haddock, cod, mahi-mahi, or even halibut. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different fish varieties, so always monitor for doneness.
• Red Crushed Pepper: This is where the subtle kick of spice comes from! It beautifully complements the sweetness of the honey. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can simply omit it entirely. For those who love an extra fiery punch, consider adding a dash of sriracha sauce or a pinch more red crushed pepper. You could also experiment with a tiny amount of cayenne pepper for a different kind of warmth.
• Soy Sauce: We highly recommend using a low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially since you’ll also be seasoning the fish with kosher salt. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, tamari works perfectly. Coconut aminos are another excellent substitute that offers a similar umami depth with less sodium and a slightly sweeter profile.
• Honey: The natural sweetness of honey creates that beautiful, caramelized glaze. Any good quality honey will work, but if you have access to local or specialty honeys (like clover, wildflower, or even a subtle orange blossom honey), they can add nuanced flavor layers to your dish.
• Fresh Garlic: Always opt for fresh garlic when possible. Finely minced garlic provides a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor than garlic powder. It infuses the glaze with a pungent, savory depth that perfectly balances the sweet and spicy notes.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the fish. Season generously on all sides before cooking. Kosher salt has larger crystals and provides a cleaner taste compared to table salt. Freshly ground black pepper offers a superior aroma and flavor.
• Cooking Spray: A light coating of cooking spray in your air fryer basket is essential to prevent the fish from sticking, ensuring easy removal and cleanup. You can also use a light brushing of olive oil or line the basket with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.

Mastering Your Air Fryer Honey Chilean Sea Bass: Step-by-Step

Creating this gourmet dish is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Preheating is a crucial step that ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior. While it’s preheating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
2. Season and Initial Cook: Generously season both sides of your Chilean sea bass fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned fish fillets skin-side down in the preheated air fryer basket. Cooking skin-side down first helps protect the delicate flesh and allows the skin to crisp up beautifully. Cook for 10 minutes.
3. Whip Up the Honey Garlic Glaze: While your fish is undergoing its initial cook, it’s time to prepare the star glaze. In a small bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, finely minced fresh garlic, and red crushed pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. This glaze will add that incredible sweet, savory, and spicy flavor.
4. Glaze and Final Crisp: After 10 minutes, carefully open the air fryer. Brush the partially cooked fish thoroughly with the prepared honey garlic glaze. Now, increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This higher temperature and short cooking time will allow the glaze to caramelize, creating a beautiful golden-brown, crispy top, and ensuring the fish is fully cooked through and wonderfully flaky. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).

Expert Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Chilean Sea Bass

Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is all about these simple yet effective tips:

• Bring Fish to Room Temperature: For the most even cooking, always allow your Chilean sea bass fillets to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. Cooking fish directly from a very cold state can result in uneven cooking, where the outside cooks faster than the inside.
• Mind the Honey Glaze Timing: This is a critical step! Make sure to cook the fish for the initial 10 minutes *before* applying the honey glaze. Honey contains sugars that can burn very quickly at high temperatures. If you apply the glaze too early and cook it for the full 12 minutes, the honey will likely burn, leading to a bitter taste and a charred exterior rather than a beautiful caramelization. The short 2-minute cook time after glazing is perfect for achieving that sticky, golden finish without burning.
• Serve with Fresh Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving is a game-changer. The bright acidity of lemon cuts through the richness of the fish and the sweetness of the glaze, enhancing all the flavors and providing a refreshing finish. It’s a classic pairing for a reason!
• Pat Your Fish Dry: Before seasoning, gently pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can steam the fish rather than allowing it to crisp up, especially on the skin. A dry surface promotes better searing and a more appealing texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For optimal air circulation and crispy results, avoid stacking or overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the fillets in a single layer, in batches if necessary, to ensure each piece gets adequate exposure to the hot air. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not frying.
• Check for Doneness: The best way to tell if fish is cooked is by checking its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Fish is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Alternatively, the fish should flake easily with a fork. Overcooked fish can become dry and tough.
• Rest Briefly: Just like meat, fish benefits from a short resting period after cooking. Let the fillets rest for 2-3 minutes after removing them from the air fryer. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and moist fish.

Can I Bake It In The Oven Instead?

Absolutely! While the air fryer offers unmatched speed and a fantastic crispy texture, you can certainly prepare this delicious honey Chilean sea bass in a traditional oven. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place the seasoned fish fillets (skin-side down, if applicable) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake for approximately 16 minutes, or until the fish is nearly cooked through and starts to flake. Then, remove the baking sheet from the oven, brush the fish generously with the honey garlic glaze, and return it to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the glaze is beautifully caramelized and the fish is fully cooked through and flaky. Keep a close eye on it during the final glazing stage to prevent the honey from burning. If you desire an even crispier top, you can briefly place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it constantly to prevent burning.

Explore More Delicious Fish Recipes

If you’re a seafood enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! We absolutely adore fish recipes for their versatility, health benefits, and quick cooking times. Be sure to explore some of our other fantastic creations:

• Our indulgent crab stuffed salmon, brimming with rich, real crab meat, is perfect for a special occasion.
• For another simple yet elegant preparation, try our pan-seared Chilean sea bass, which is incredibly easy to make and yields perfectly tender, flaky results.
• Don’t forget to check out our entire seafood recipe collection for more inspiration for your next meal!