Air Fryer Tajin-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass
Did you forget to take the frozen meat out of the freezer or need a quick dinner idea? This is the tastiest, quickest, and easiest way to cook any white flaky fish — straight from frozen!
We used Chilean Sea Bass for that buttery, restaurant-quality texture, but you can use tilapia, halibut, or cod with the same method. This air fryer recipe is foolproof, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or when you’re trying to make a healthy, high-protein meal in under 20 minutes.
Whether you serve it as a main dish or tuck it into tacos, this Tajin-crusted sea bass is bursting with citrusy heat and savory crunch.
The Ingredients
White Fish:
To make the perfect air fryer fish, choose a white flaky fish like Chilean Sea Bass, tilapia, halibut, or mahi mahi. I love using the frozen Chilean Sea Bass from Costco — it’s easy to keep on hand for quick, protein-packed meals.
Seasoning Binders:
A light spray of oil and a squeeze of lime juice help the Tajin adhere perfectly to the fish while adding a bright, tangy flavor. You can use avocado, olive, or canola oil — whatever you have on hand.
Seasonings:
Tajin is the star here, adding that signature zesty, mildly spicy citrus kick. If you want a slightly sweet balance, add a touch of brown sugar to your Tajin mix.
Garnishes (Optional):
For presentation (and a hint of freshness), garnish with fresh dill and sweety drop peppers. These are totally optional — skip if you’re turning your fish into tacos or adding it to a salad.
The Method
The star of this recipe is the air fryer. To make this recipe you will do the following:
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Begin Cooking/Thawing the Fish:
Place frozen sea bass (or other white fish) directly in the air fryer. Cook at 300°F for 5 minutes to start the thawing process. (Skip this step if using fresh fish.) -
Season the Fish:
After 5 minutes, lightly spray the fish with oil and squeeze half a lime over each filet. On a plate, pour a thick layer of Tajin (about 1 tablespoon per filet) and mix in a little brown sugar if desired. Remove the filets from the air fryer and press them gently into the Tajin to coat both sides. -
Cook the Fish:
Return the coated filets to the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 375°F and cook for 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness and preferred doneness. The outside should be slightly crisp, and the interior should flake easily with a fork. -
Garnish (Optional):
Slice sweety drop peppers and sprinkle over the cooked fish along with chopped dill for a beautiful finish.
Pairings
This Air Fryer Tajin-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass pairs perfectly with:
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A warm tortilla and cucumber jicama pico de gallo (for fish tacos)
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A bed of coconut rice or cauliflower rice
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A simple green salad with avocado and citrus vinaigrette
Quick, versatile, and packed with flavor — this is your new go-to weeknight fish recipe!
Air Fryer Tajin-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 Chilean sea bass filets about 5–6 oz each, frozen or fresh
- 2-4 tablespoons Tajin seasoning see notes
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar optional
- 1 lime halved
- Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon oil
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon dill chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweety drop peppers sliced
Instructions
- Begin Cooking/Thawing:Place frozen sea bass filets in the air fryer. Cook at 300°F for 5 minutes to thaw slightly. (Skip if using fresh fish.)
- Season the Fish:Spray lightly with oil and squeeze lime over both sides. On a plate, combine Tajin and brown sugar (if using). Coat filets evenly on both sides.
- Air Fry:Increase temperature to 375°F and air fry for 10–15 minutes, depending on filet thickness, until fish flakes easily with a fork. I typically do 15-20 minutes total but prefer a more well done fish.
- Garnish and Serve:Plate fish and top with sweety drop peppers and dill, or serve in tacos, salads, or over rice.
Notes
- I find my sweety drop peppers in the olive bar at our local King Soopers and get a small container of them. They are also the perfect addition to a charcuterie plate!
- Tajin can be a little sour or bitter to some pallets. If this is the case for you, I recommend mixing in a teaspoon of brown sugar into your coating.
welcome!
Hi, I'm Margot Searls and my hope is to turn around recipes from my table to yours. The food you put on your table can truly turn your lifestyle around for the better—hence Turned Around Table.
