Whole Branzino

Name: Whole Branzino (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 fish (serves 1 to 2)
Ingredients: 1 whole branzino (about 1 to 1.5 lbs), cleaned and scaled; Olive oil; Salt, pepper; Lemon slices, fresh herbs (optional, for stuffing the cavity)

Yield

Prep

Total

1 fish (serves 1 to 2)

10m

25m

gluten-freedairy-freeketowhole30dinnerSpray Surface

Herb Stuffed Classic See all on food page →

Cooking a whole branzino in the air fryer is surprisingly easy. The bones and skin protect the fish from drying out. Here's how to get perfectly cooked fish every time, with lemon slices and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.

Ingredients

1 whole branzino (about 1 to 1.5 lbs), cleaned and scaled
Olive oil
Salt, pepper
Lemon slices, fresh herbs (optional, for stuffing the cavity)

Season it upPairs with Simple Salt & Pepper, Herbed Garlic Butter, Herbs de Provence, or Lemon HerbSee all seasonings →

Steps

01Make sure the fish is fully cleaned (gutted, gills removed, scaled). Your fishmonger should do this. If there are still scales, scrape them off under running water with the back of a knife.
02Score the skin on both sides with 2 to 3 diagonal cuts. This prevents the skin from splitting unevenly and helps heat reach the thickest part.
03Rub inside and out with olive oil. Season generously, including inside the cavity.
04Optionally, stuff the cavity with lemon slices and herbs.
05Place the fish diagonally in the basket if it doesn't fit straight.
06Ready for the air fryer.

Cooking a whole fish looks intimidating but it's actually simpler than fillets because the bones and skin protect the flesh from overcooking. The eyes turn white when the fish is done, which is a reliable visual indicator. To serve, peel the skin back, slide a knife along the backbone, and lift the fillet off in one piece. Flip and repeat. Two clean fillets, no bones.

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How to Air Fry It

Temp

Cook

Prep

Flip?

400°F

15m

10m

Yes

01Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
02Score the skin of the cleaned fish on both sides.
03Rub inside and out with oil and the Lemon Herb or Herbs de Provence seasoning.
04Place the whole fish diagonally in the basket.
05Cook for 10 minutes.
06Carefully flip using two spatulas.
07Cook for 5 more minutes until skin is blistered and meat flakes easily.