Rinse the basa fish with salt and pat dry. Marinate with a little fish sauce and black pepper. Place the fish in an air fryer, set to 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and cook the other side at 400°F (200°C) for another 10 minutes until golden and some fat has rendered (basa is a bit fatty).

Use the rendered fish fat to sauté minced shallots and garlic until fragrant. Add caramel sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, and chili, then simmer until the mixture thickens. Add the fish and a little water to braise. (If you like, you can add some seared pork belly, but since the fish is already fatty, it’s optional.)

Since the fish is already cooked in the air fryer, just add a little water so the flavors soak in. When the sauce thickens, add green onions and let it cool slightly so the fish firms up. The braising sauce is amazing with crispy rice. Good luck!