Air fryer branzino is very easy to make and it's full of amazing flavor. In this recipe, whole branzino is air fried with lemon slices, garlic cloves, herbs and spices, and sweet cherry tomatoes to produce a delicious fish dinner that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, it can be on the table in no time!

Many people might steer away from cooking white fish because it can easily become overcooked. But by air frying the branzino whole with lemon and juicy tomatoes, you don't have to worry about the fish becoming tough or dry.

Cooking a whole fish might seem intimidating but it's actually really easy to do! All you need are a few ingredients and an air fryer. Depending on whether or not your fish is gutted already, you can have a healthy, delicious, and super flavorful seafood dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!

Recipe Ingredients

Branzino fish. Fresh, whole gutted fish, also known as European or Mediterranean sea bass.

Lemon slices. Helps keep the fish moist, looks nice, and adds fresh citrus notes.

Dried thyme. Use your favorite seasonings in addition to the dried thyme if you want. Old bay seasoning or cayenne pepper would be great additions to this recipe!

Salt and black pepper. Basic seasonings. Freshly ground black pepper has more flavor and kick to it than preground.

Cherry tomatoes. Adds juicy bursts of sweet tomato flavor, and keeps the fish moist.

Cloves of garlic. Stuffed inside the fish cavity so it doesn't burn and flavors the meat inside the fish.

How to make air fryer branzino

Clean and descale the fish. The fish i purchased was already cleaned so i didn't need to do that. Lay air fryer basket with some air fryer liners (optionally) and place fish on top. My favorite way to prevent fish from sticking to the basket if you don't have liners is sliced lemon. Just slice 1 lemon and lay the air fryer basket with it. Place branzino on top and it will not stick.

Mix spices and rub them all over the fish and don't forget to add some in the cavity. Smash garlic and add inside the cavity along with lemon slices. Add cherry tomatoes to the basket and cook for about 15 minutes. Cooking time depend on your air fryer and on the thickness of fish fillet or the whole fish.

Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This way you will be absolutely sure that your fish is fully cooked.

What kind of fish is branzino

Branzino is a mild white fish that is usually roasted whole with lemon, herbs and spices, and olive oil. It is one of the most popular fish in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, and it is commonly served at fancy restaurants all across Europe and the United States.

Branzino is its Italian name, but it is also known as European bass, or loup de mer. This fish has silver skin with a lot of scales. It is very lean and mild-flavored.

This smaller-sized fish can easily be prepared whole because it doesn't have large bones. Grilling, steaming, baking, or air frying are excellent ways to prepare this fish.

What does it taste like

It has a similar taste to sea bass or halibut. This lean white fish is mild and delicate with a slightly sweet flavor and a flaky texture. It is not fishy tasting at all, and its mildness allows whatever seasonings you are using to really shine.

Branzino is in the same fish family as white perch, white bass, and striped bass, so it will have similar flavors and textures as these varieties. If you can't find branzino where you are, they would make great alternatives for this recipe.

Where to buy it

Branzino or European Bass can be found in local fish shops or larger grocery stores, and it is predominately farm-raised and relatively inexpensive. Wild-caught fish might be a little harder to find, due to the extensive overfishing of this species. It should be available near you, so look for it in the fresh fish section of grocery stores or ask your fishmonger.

When picking out fresh fish it's important that the eyes are clear and not cloudy at all. It should have firm flesh and no fishy smell. Branzino should smell like the sea, but not offensive or smelly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert tips

1. To ensure that the fish is cooked properly use an instant meat thermometer. It should show at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit for a fully cooked fish.
2. Do not overcrowd the basket. Less space allowed for the air to circulate means longer cooking time.
3. If you have favorite spices, add them too! Add an old bay seasoning or cayenne pepper for a spice kick.
4. Store leftovers in the plastic or glass container for up to 4 days in the fridge. you can also just wrap fish tightly in foil and store it this way. Reheat in the air fryer or in the microwave.

Side dishes

White fish goes very well with plain white rice, roasted vegetables or any types of salad. I like to make an arugula, cherry tomato, onion and cucumber salad and add a splash of olive oil and balsamic dressing. Makes a very light dinner dish.

Steamed broccoli, asparagus or Brussels sprouts will be a great addition to a healthy whole fish dinner as well.

You may also like...

• Orange roughy recipe
• Air fryer sardines
• Air fryer crab sticks
• Frozen french toast sticks in air fryer
• Baked John Dory
• Air fryer poblano peppers
• Air fryer frozen chicken thighs
• Air fryer mackerel
• Air fryer frozen tilapia

Hope you will enjoy this air fryer whole branzino recipe just like we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave comment bellow if you have any questions or simply want to talk.