• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Cook's Notebook
  • About
  • Subscribe

Just Maika Cooking

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cook's Notebook
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cook's Notebook
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home

    Published: Jan 25, 2023 · Modified: Sep 12, 2023 by Maika · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables

    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.

    Air fryer Branzino fillets on top of roasted vegetables on a round white plate

    Best Way to Cook Branzino

    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.

    If you are looking for other air fryer fish recipes, try the following:

    • 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
    Jump to:
    • Best Way to Cook Branzino
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving Suggested Sides
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Cooking tip
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Air-Fryer Recipes
    • Video
    • Recipe
    • Food safety
    • Have a question or comment?

    When You Have an Idea. Don’t Quit!

    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.

    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 in cooking I am passionate about 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

    For an excellent spicy air fryer branzino recipe, you'll start by making the spice blend; this blend will be used separately for the fish and the potatoes. Firstly, you'll need Italian herb seasoning, paprika powder, chili flakes, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and oil to make a wet rub for the spice blend.

    You will be using avocado oil for this fish recipe since it does have a higher smoke point than olive oil, which is excellent for air fryer cooking.

    Efficient Cooking

    The instructions mention using a large bowl when mixing the spices to help reduce the amount of cookware because after brushing the branzino, you will toss the vegetables in the rest of the wet rub. The seasoned vegetables will be thrown in the air fryer basket first, then later on, the fish fillets will be placed on top.

    While the fish is cooking, reduce the olive oil, vegetable broth, and lemon juice in a saute pan to quickly evaporate and bubble up to create an emulsion, making a thick, savory lemon herb sauce. Then add zest and chopped parsley to finish.

    In addition, the fish will come out fork-tender and flaky thanks to being air-fried. Therefore, get ready to have a fantastic dinner!

    See the air fryer branzino recipe card for quantities.

    Ingredients for air fryer branzino and roasted vegetables in small containers  on a  black pizza pan

    Instructions

    thick sliced red bell pepper on a cutting board for the air fryer branzono

    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.

    ends of the bell pepper cut  into thick slices on a cutting board for the air fryer branzino

    Don't discard the ends; slice them to the same thickness.

    mixed vegetables  covered  in oil and herbs in a large stainless steel mixing bowl for the air fryer branzino

    Using oil when seasoning for air frying helps create crispy potatoes and roasted vegetables.

    fresh branzino fillet held in hand over a cutting board and a knife for the air fryer branzino recipe

    Two branzino fillets make one serving.

    gloved hands making a slit in the fresh branzino fillet on a cutting board for the air fryer branzino.

    Pinch the branzino to create an arch to slit the fish with a sharp knife.

    gloved hands making a second slit in the fresh branzino fillet on a cutting board for the air fryer branzino.

    In addition, watch the tip of your fingers, keeping them safe from the sharp blade.

    Busy Folks - Become a better home cook with cooking tips to help you cook more efficiently on Cook's Notebook tab.  Some related detailed steps can also be found there, like Prepping Fish.

    Serving Suggested Sides

    • Mixed Greens and Tomatoes Salad
    • Lemon Wedges

    Substitutions

    • Vegetables - Try jumbo asparagus, cut into thirds, or green beans kept whole with tips cut.
    • Potatoes - Use baby Yukon, fingerling (halved), baby reds, or large diced baby or irregular sweet 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.
    • 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 skin side downside should be where the fish cooks the most.
      • To summarize, pan-seared branzino with the skin on helps lock in the moisture.
    • No Air-Fryer? Try Oven the Instead
      • Set the oven to the same temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
      • In addition, use a baking tray. For example, try the Checkered Chef Baking Sheet with Wire Rack.
      • Potatoes should roast for about 35 minutes.
      • While the fish will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
      • This means after the first 20 minutes of the vegetables in the oven, give them a good toss, then place the branzino fillets on top and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.

    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 - 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 - For combining the vegetables and seasoning with oil before being placed in the air fryer.
    • Whisk - 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 - 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 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.

    Air Tight Food Containers - I use Glass Food Storage Containers with a plastic clipping lid to store food.  For example, I always suggest glass storage containers since you can microwave them and hold food without staining the container, and the glass keeps them at a more stable temperature, which keeps the food fresher longer.

    Cooking tip

    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.

    Most herb blends also will not have salt, but as I mentioned, double-checking your sodium intake is always a good idea.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Branzino?

    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.

    Why Create Slits on the Skin of the Fish?

    This prevents curling when cooking branzino fillets in addition to cooking faster. Learn more about prepping fish.

    Why Avocado Oil in the Air Fryer?

    It has a higher smoking point. In addition, this oil is beneficial for air fryers, preventing a smoky kitchen.

    Seafood Recipes

    Looking for other seafood recipes like this? Try these:

    • tuna avocado salad topped with a poached egg that's split open with yolk dripping out surrounded by diced tomatoes, shredded red cabbage, sliced cucumbers, sliced radishes, sliced celery on a bed of mixed greens.
      Healthy Poached Egg Avocado Rainbow Tuna Salad
    • herbed mashed potatoes topped with a salmon patty topped with sauteed green smothered in red tomato sauce and mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley on a round white plate.
      Smothered Salmon Salisbury Steak with Tomato Mushroom Gravy
    • Pesto Shrimp Pasta with shrimp, tomatoes and asparagus in a black pasta bowl
      Jalapeño Pesto and Argentinian Shrimp Pasta
    • Ramen with seafood and shrimp in a decorative blue bowl with a fried egg with black sesame seeds
      Sweet and Spicy Seafood Neoguri with Mushrooms, Spinach, and Fried Egg
    See more Seafood →

    Air-Fryer Recipes

    Looking for other air-fryer recipes like this? Try these:

    • Air fried sliced chicken breast over hot honey glazed root vegetables on a round white plate
      Air Fryer Chicken Breast with Hot Honey Glazed Vegetables
    • curried lamb jobs on top of chickpea cucumber salad with avocado cream sauce on the bottom
      Curried Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Chickpea Cucumber Salad
    • Breaded sliced tofu and brown rice topped with curried potatoes, carrots and onions on a white round plate.
      Herb Panko Tofu with Curried Potatoes, Carrots and Onions
    • Sweet and spicy sauce coated breaded chicken with multigrain rice, vegetable onion garnish on a white plate.
      Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken and Broccoli Stir-fry with Scallions Radish Salad
    See more Air fryer →

    Video

    Don’t Forget to Like, Subscribe and Share!

    Recipe

    fish, dinner, sauce, baking, fall, summer, winter, spring, quick, vegetables, pescatarian, gluten-free, healthy, sheet pan, stove top, air-fryer, bake, roast, spicy, egg-free, nut-free,,
    Seafood
    Italian, Mediterranean, European
    Yield: 2
    Author: Maika Frederic
    Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables

    Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables

    Meaty 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.
    Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 45 Min

    Ingredients

    Spice Herb Blend
    Fish Prep
    Roasted Vegetables
    Lemon Sauce
    Garnish

    Instructions

    Notes

    Branzino Portions

    • 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 Facts

    Calories

    622.79

    Fat

    25.98 g

    Sat. Fat

    4.01 g

    Carbs

    50.06 g

    Fiber

    8.88 g

    Net carbs

    41.16 g

    Sugar

    12.48 g

    Protein

    52.6 g

    Sodium

    1545.66 mg

    Cholesterol

    113 mg

    These are calculations based on search results of the ingredient's nutritional information.


    https://www.justmaikacooking.com/recipes/air-fryer-branzino-lemon-potatoes-vegetables
    All rights reserved for Just Maika Cooking
    Did you make this recipe?
    Tag @justmaikacooking on instagram and hashtag it #justmaikacooking

    Food safety

    • Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat to prevent foodborne illness from contaminated uncooked meats.
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
    • Don't leave food at room temperature for extended periods; this can breed bacteria.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended to prevent burns and fires.
    • Use oils with a high smoke point to avoid harmful compounds.
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Have a question or comment?

    If you have a question or comment about this air fryer branzino recipe, please post it below. You will definitely get a quick response. It also helps our other readers to stay informed. Thanks!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Author profile picture

    Welcome. I’m Maika, a former professional culinarian for over a decade. I’ve worked for major hotels such as the PGA National Resort, The Ritz-Carlon Hotel Company, Conrad Hilton, and W Hotel. And as a lifetime passionate cook, my blog is about exploring a world of flavors and experimenting with recipes to create restaurant-quality quick and easy dishes that will excite the taste buds.

    More about me →

    popular

    • chicken, green beans, onions, red bell peppers and mushrooms in a pan with hoisin sauce
      Chicken Stir-Fry with Mushrooms, Peppers, and Green Beans in Hoisin Sauce
    • Strawberries, Banana, Angle Food Cake and Whipped Cream Layered in a Glass Cup
      Strawberry and Banana Shortcake
    • Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables
    • instant ramen noodles with sliced vegetable and an egg
      Quick and Easy Veggie Ramyeon
    See more popular →

    Pollotarian

    • italian chicken sausage stuffed portobello mushroom wtih spaghetti smothered in tomato sauce and melted burrata cheese
      Italian Chicken Sausage Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Burrata & Sauce
    • Spicy Pesto Chicken Pasta in a round pasta bowl garnished with grated cheese and pistachios
      Spicy Pesto Chicken Pasta Homemade One-Pot-Meal
    • spicy basil pesto in glass bowl with a spoon and fresh basil in the background
      Homemade Easy Spicy Basil Pesto
    • Whipped Cottage Cheese stuffed French Omelet on a round white plate with sliced strawberries and toasted sourdough bread
      French Omelet with Whipped Garlic Herbed Cottage Cheese
    See more Pollotarian →

    Vegetarian

    • Whipped garlic herbed cottage cheese in a small round glass bowl
      Healthy Whipped Garlic Herbed Cottage Cheese Spread
    • Peanut butter and caramel swirled chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips in a blue and white designed bowl
      Easy Peanut Chocolate Caramel Candy Bar No-Churn Ice Cream
    • 3 scoops of Mango cookies and cream ice cream in a small bowl with floral decorations.
      Mango Cookies and Cream No-Churn Ice Cream
    • Two birria tacos stuffed with mushrooms and soy chorizo with two wedges of lime, a spoonful of pico de gallo and a white square ramekin of birria sauce all on a round white plate.
      Cheesy Chipotle Mushroom Vegetarian Birria Style Tacos
    See more Vegetarian →

    Summer

    • Chicken sweet potato zucchini stew in a tomato base sauce with couscous in a round white pasta bowl on a wooden board
      Spicy Chicken Vegetable Stew with Harissa Tomato Sauce
    • chicken pita with arugula tomato feta cheese salad on top on a round white plate
      Spicy Chicken Pitas with Arugula Feta Pomegranate Salad
    • red borscht soup in a black bowl with sour cream in the shape of a heart on top sprinkled with aleppo pepper flakes and topped with a dill leaf.
      Aleppo Pepper Spiced Vegetarian Borscht
    • Gnocchi with small chicken chunks, brown sliced mushrooms, spinach and red diced bell pepper in a bowl of yellow curry sauce with sprinkled cheese on top
      Curry Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Spinach and Mushrooms
    See more Summer →

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Helpful Links

    • About
    • Recipes
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer

    Stay Connected

    • Contact
    • Subscribe

    Affiliates

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Just Maika Cooking, a Growth Culinary LLC Company. All Rights Reserved.