Meaty air fryer Branzino fillets with crispy skin and tri-color potatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, and onions mixed with a Mediterranean spicy herb blend done all in the air fryer, then served with a quick lemon sauce.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Best Way to Cook Branzino
- What is Branzino?
- Why Lemon Potatoes?
- What are Greek Lemon Potatoes?
- Ingredients with Steps
- Culinary Glossary
- Fish Similiar to Branzino
- Instructions with Pictures
- Serving Suggested Sides
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storage
- Cooking tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Seafood Recipes
- Air-Fryer Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- Video
- Have a question or comment?
Best Way to Cook Branzino
This branzino recipe brings together meaty branzino fillets with crispy skin, paired perfectly with a medley of tri-color potatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, and onions, all seasoned with a Mediterranean spicy herb blend.
The entire dish is effortlessly prepared in the air fryer, making it a quick and easy low-carb fish recipe, perfect for a simple weeknight meal. Topped with a tangy lemon sauce, this dish delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite, ideal for a healthy fish dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Not Just Chicken Nuggets
Get ready for Mediterranean spices of Italian herbs, smoked paprika, red chilis, and lemons in every bite. The air fryer can do amazing things, and it is not only used to fry up fries and chicken nuggets!
For this air fryer branzino recipe, you'll get nicely roasted potatoes with blistering golden brown skin and fish that is still moist with crispy skin and an amazing and healthy lemon herb sauce to serve it.
What is Branzino?
Branzino, also known as European sea bass, is a popular Mediterranean fish known for its mild, sweet flavor and delicate, flaky texture. Originating from the coastal waters of Europe, branzino has become a staple in many kitchens due to its versatility and ease of preparation.
I was introduced to this fish while working professionally in the kitchen years ago, and I love it for its meaty texture and ability to absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices it’s cooked with. When buying branzino, look for fresh fish with clear eyes, a firm body, and a clean, ocean-like smell; you can often find it at your local grocery store or even Trader Joe's.
Why Lemon Potatoes?
I decided to serve the branzino with potatoes and vegetables because I was deeply influenced by the flavor and simplicity of Greek lemon potatoes, a dish that I absolutely had to replicate using the air fryer. The air fryer allowed me to achieve the crispy texture I love, while the stovetop gave me the control needed to make the delicious, tangy lemon sauce.
To keep the meal both nutritious and quick to prepare, I paired the fish with a potato and vegetable combination that cooks perfectly alongside the branzino in the air fryer, ensuring that everything is done at the same time for an easy, healthy fish dinner.
What are Greek Lemon Potatoes?
Greek lemon potatoes are a classic Mediterranean side dish typically made with large pieces of potatoes roasted with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano until golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.
Inspired by this traditional dish, I’ve adapted it for the air fryer, using a similar combination of ingredients to create a simple dish that cooks quickly and evenly. The lemon sauce is still made on the stovetop to ensure the best consistency and control, resulting in a vibrant, tangy finish that complements the fish filet perfectly.
Looking for authentic Greek recipes? Check out My Greek Dish and Olive Tomato.
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
- Roasted Harissa Salmon with Paprika Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts
- Chili Herb Crusted Rainbow Trout with Cannellini Beans, Spinach Mushrooms, and Tomatoes
- Spiced Salmon with Pepper Cabbage Slaw and Yellow Rice
- Blacken Trout with Chorizo Beans and Garlic Broccoli
Turning Setbacks into Success
Would you believe this simple air fry dish helped me set my future goals for this blog? I tried making this air fryer branzino recipe four times to get it right! With frustration, subsequently, I wanted to give up! But I couldn't; I love branzino, and it held nostalgia from cooking in commercial kitchens.
When You Have an Idea. Don’t Quit!
Remember Einstein's quote? "Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result." Sometimes, when something doesn't work, it sends you a message. For instance, it means it is time for a change and not always the time to quit.
Focusing Attention on This Blog’s Goal
You are here for spicy, flavorful, easy, and quick meals, which you will get! In addition, the number one thing I am passionate about in cooking is spices. As a result, I love creating new blends and developing my version of traditional ones.
I used to have a spice store online but sadly had to shut it down not to spread myself so thin by working full time, attending school full time, and raising my son on my own, but things are not over yet; it’s just the beginning.
Ingredients with Steps
To save time in the kitchen, start by thoroughly reading the recipe and prepping all your ingredients in advance. Begin by making a spice blend with Italian herb seasoning, paprika, red pepper chili flakes, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and avocado oil. Avocado oil is used for its higher smoke point, which is ideal for air frying.
Use the blend to season the slit branzino fish fillets, then toss the baby potato medley, zucchini, red bell peppers, and onions in the remaining wet rub. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit; cook the seasoned vegetables first, and after 15 minutes, check the potatoes for doneness before placing the fish fillets on top to cook for the final 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, make a lemon herb sauce by reducing olive oil, vegetable broth, and lemon juice in a sauté pan until thick and savory, finishing with lemon zest and chopped parsley. The air fryer ensures the fish comes out fork-tender and flaky, making this a fantastic dinner ready to impress.
Culinary Glossary
This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe. Check out the live Culinary Glossary here.
- Branzino - A Mediterranean sea bass with a mild, sweet flavor and flaky texture, perfect for grilling or baking.
- Avocado Oil - This is a versatile cooking oil extracted from the pulp of avocados, known for its high smoke point and mild, buttery flavor, making it ideal for frying, sautéing, and dressings.
- Italian Herb Seasoning - A blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine, typically including basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, offering a balanced, aromatic flavor profile for a variety of dishes.
- Baby Potato Medley - This is a mix of small, tender potatoes that typically includes baby red bliss, purple, and Yukon gold varieties, providing a colorful and flavorful combination perfect for roasting, boiling, or grilling.
Fish Similiar to Branzino
- Black Sea Bass - Similar in size and flavor, black sea bass has a firmer texture compared to branzino but can be used interchangeably in many recipes.
- European Bass - Essentially the same as branzino, this fish is often labeled differently depending on the region but offers the same delicate flavor and texture.
- Red Snapper - While red snapper has a slightly stronger flavor, it shares a similar flaky texture with branzino, making it a good substitute.
- Chilean Sea Bass - Richer and more buttery, Chilean sea bass has a thicker, meatier texture compared to branzino.
- Tilapia - A milder and more affordable option, tilapia lacks the rich flavor of branzino but offers a similar flaky texture when cooked.
- Sea Bass Fillets - Generic sea bass fillets can be used as a substitute for branzino, offering a comparable taste and texture.
- Flounder - More delicate and less flavorful, flounder works well in recipes where branzino’s mild taste is desired but requires careful handling due to its delicate flesh.
See the air fryer branzino recipe card for quantities below.
Instructions with Pictures
Slice off the top and bottom. Then cut the pepper in half, and remove the pith and seeds. This will also give you a flat pepper that you evenly slice.
Don't discard the ends; slice them to the same thickness.
What's a pith? The pith of a bell pepper is the white, spongy interior part that connects the seeds to the flesh and is often removed before cooking due to its bitter taste.
Using oil when seasoning for air frying helps create crispy potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Pinch the branzino to create an arch to slit the fish with a sharp knife.
In addition, watch the tip of your fingers, keeping them safe from the sharp blade.
Serving Suggested Sides
- Mixed Greens and Tomatoes Salad
- Lemon Wedges
Substitutions
Dairy Free
- Olive oil can be used instead of butter for the sauce.
- Coconut milk or almond milk can replace dairy in any creamy components of the dish.
Gluten-Free
- Yay! This branzino recipe is already gluten-free!
Vegetarian
- Branzino Fillets - To make this dish vegetarian, replace the branzino with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms, which will absorb the Mediterranean herb blend beautifully.
Convenience
- Fresh Lemon - Use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons aren’t available.
- Italian Herb Seasoning - Substitute it with a combination of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
- Zucchini - Swap out zucchini for any other available squash, like yellow squash. Or try a mixture of other vegetables like jumbo asparagus, cut into thirds, or green beans kept whole with tips cut.
- Baby Potato Medley - Regular russet, Yukon gold, red bliss, or sweet potatoes can replace tri-color potatoes. However, if you don't want to use potatoes, just double the vegetables or serve with rice. For example, try the Spiced Brown Basmati and Quinoa Rice recipe.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
- Caper Lemon Sauce - Add capers to the lemon sauce.
- Whole Fish - If using a whole fish, clean the cavity thoroughly, season inside and out, and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- No Air Fryer? How to Cook in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet tray with a wire rack.
- Roast the potatoes for about 35 minutes.
- After the first 20 minutes, give the vegetables a good toss.
- Place the branzino fillets on top of the vegetables.
- Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- How to Cook Branzino in a Skillet
- A cast iron pan would be the best skillet; a thick pan holds its heat evenly, helping create a great golden brown sear.
- Also, use a metal fish spatula; it’s a spatula that gets wider towards the end with a thin blade, making it ideal for flipping delicate meat like fish.
- Create slits on the fish to help keep it flat while searing. Then season the skin only with salt and pepper, and you can brush the wet rub on the flesh side.
- First, get your pan nice and hot before adding oil on high heat.
- Add the oil to the hot pan. Use a neutral, high-smoking point oil, like avocado or rapeseed; these oils can withstand temperatures above 400 degrees Fahrenheit before smoking up your kitchen.
- Wait for the oil to heat up, about three to five minutes, before adding the fish; you might have to wait before you see the oil just about to smoke.
- Lay the fish in the pan away from you, skin side down, so that the oil does not splatter on you.
- Depending on the thickness of the fish, sear for about 1 to 3 minutes.
- Then flip and sear the other side for less time; the downside of the skin side should be where the fish cooks the most.
- To summarize, pan-seared branzino with the skin on helps lock in the moisture.
Recommended - If you're in the mood for a stew, you must try the Pepper Fish Yam Stew. This hearty meal will satisfy you with just the right amount of spice.
Equipment
- Air Fryer - Cooks the fish and vegetables to a crispy finish using hot air circulation. This air fryer branzino recipe was developed using the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill. However, you can try roasting in the oven if you do not have an air fryer. You have two options with different results: a sheet pan with parchment paper or a sheet pan with a sheet pan rack.
- For example, the parchment paper will produce vegetables roasted in their juices and caramelization at the bottom.
- In contrast, the sheet pan rack will result in just roasting around the vegetables due to the hot air flowing around the vegetables. Now, the trick is not to overcrowd in whatever method you choose, but if this happens, toss in between cooking.
- Large Mixing Bowl - This is for combining the vegetables and seasoning with oil before placing them in the air fryer.
- Whisk - Helps to evenly mix the herb and spice blend. I love using a mini whisk for small bowls and measuring cups. So try Babish 2-Piece (5” and 7”) Stainless Steel Tiny Whisk Set.
- Frying Pan - Used to prepare the lemon sauce on the stovetop for better consistency and control. Preferably a 10-inch pan. Therefore, try the All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Fry Pan or the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder. In addition, I highly recommend All-Clad and Lodge Cast Iron pans for the long-lasting build.
Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Storage
- Refrigerator - To store in the fridge, place the air fryer branzino and vegetables in separate 2-inch shallow pans to cool down quickly. Then, place the leftover sauce in a small 2 to 4-oz storage container and place it in the fridge. Then, store in an air-tight sealing container. The fish and vegetables will last for up to three days.
- Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above, except for the sauce. Then, you can place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container. Label a zip lock bag for the sauce, then store the cool-down sauce. Afterward, spread the sauce and freeze it flat; you might have to use a small dry tray.
Airtight Food Containers - I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer.
Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.
Cooking tips
- Crispy Fish - Always pat the fish dry before seasoning to ensure the spices adhere well and the skin becomes crispy.
- Premixed Seasoning Blends - I like to make spice and herb blends to avoid the preservatives and salt content in premade blends. So make sure you double-check to see if the blend that you are using has any added salt.
- Sodium Intake - Most herb blends also will not have salt, but as I mentioned, double-checking your sodium intake is always a good idea.
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab. Click here for an extended live Culinary Glossary. Some related detailed steps can also be found there, like Prepping Fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a meaty white-fleshed sea bass fish widely eaten in the Mediterranean. It is also called the European bass since you can find it in the southwestern area of Europe. The name says it all; named by the Italians, this fish is also quite popular in Italian cuisine.
You'll find it roasted whole and paired with lemons and herbs in most recipes. And don't be fooled; one whole fish or two fillets is usually the amount served per person, compared to one portioned salmon.
This prevents curling when cooking branzino fillets in addition to cooking faster. Learn more about prepping fish.
It has a higher smoking point. In addition, this oil is beneficial for air fryers, preventing a smoky kitchen.
Check the internal temperature of the fish; it should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and the flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best results. To develop this recipe, I used frozen fillets.
Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli, yellow squash, asparagus, green beans, or carrots. Note: To prevent broccoli and asparagus from burning in the air fryer, lightly coat them with oil and cook at a lower temperature, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Look for bright, clear eyes, firm flesh, and a fresh ocean smell; Trader Joe's often carries a high-quality frozen option.
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for the oven with simple steps—bake the fish and vegetables at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until cooked through, and follow the directions in the Variation Section.
Seafood Recipes
Are you looking for other seafood recipes like this? Try these:
- Healthy Haitian-Style Creole Spicy Shrimp Pasta
- Seared Snapper Spicy Creole Sauce and Roasted Vegetables
- Sesame Seed-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Spicy Sesame-Soy Sauce
- Grilled Shrimp Garlic Jalapeno Butter and Cilantro Lime Rice
Air-Fryer Recipes
Looking for other air-fryer recipes like this? Try these:
- Easy 15-Minute Marinade for Beef Kabobs
- Grilled Zhug Ras El Hanout Lamb Chops and Tomato Salad
- Easy Sheet Pan Spicy Miso Salmon Rice Bowl
- Spicy Greek Chicken Meatball Rice Bowl
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables
Ingredients
Spice Herb Blend
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs blend
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- ¼ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 garlic cloves minced or garlic pressed
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Fish Prep
- 452 grams branzino four fish fillets
Roasted Vegetables
- 2 cups baby potatoes medley quartered
- 2 cups of zucchini halved, then sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper large sliced
- 1 cup onions large sliced
Lemon Sauce
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ¼ cup lemon juice about one large lemon
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Garnish
- chopped parsley
Equipment
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Make the Spice Blend: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the Italian herb blend, paprika, chili flakes, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and oil and set aside.
- Prep the Fish: For the fish prep, place the fish fillets on a cutting board for raw fish, skin side up. Make three slits on each fish fillet; please refer to the photo and video for an overview. Pinch the fish to create an arch to slit the fish with a sharp knife. Watch the tip of your fingers, keeping them safe from the sharp blade.
- Using a paper towel, pat both sides of the fish dry and place on the cutting board flesh side up. Then Brush on one layer of the spice-herb blend onto the flesh and set aside the fish and spice-herb.
- Set Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and set the cooking timer for 25 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and onion with the rest of the herb-spice blend and set aside. When the air fryer is ready, add the vegetable mixture, spreading it out evenly. After 15 minutes, give the vegetables a toss, then close to continue cooking.
- Check for the doneness of the potatoes by poking them with a fork or taking one out, cutting it in half, and tasting it. A knife or fork should easily insert. If the potatoes are cooked through, place the fish on top of the vegetables, skin side up, and cook for the last 8 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Heat a medium saute pan with oil on medium-high heat. Then add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and olive oil; the sauce will rapidly evaporate while bubbling, so do not reduce the heat; this is normal.
- Boil the sauce and reduce it to half of its content. The pan's surface allows the sauce to reduce quickly. Remove the pan from the heat, season the sauce with salt if necessary, and add the lemon zest and chopped parsley.
- Serve: Plate the potatoes and vegetables first, drizzle on the lemon sauce, place the fish fillets on top, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Video
Notes
- Unlike other fish I have used in my recipe (e.g., Rainbow Trout and Salmon), Branzino fillets tend to be smaller. Most of the time, you will serve two fillets per person.
Nutrition
Video
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