This paper reports a side-coupled asymmetric $1{ imes}2$ plastic optical fiber coupler for an optical sensor system. The dependence of the optical power coupling ratio on the coupling angle and refractive index of the adhesion layer in both the forward and backward directions was examined based on the geometrical optics. It was confirmed experimentally that the coupling ratios can be optimized by controlling the coupling angle and refractive index of the adhesion layer. A maximum forward coupling efficiency > 93% was achieved.