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If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to cook branzino, this air fryer branzino fillets recipe is a total game-changer! Cooked straight from frozen, these fillets come out perfectly flaky, juicy, and golden brown—no thawing required. Whether you’re new to air frying or just want a quick and healthy seafood dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Branzino Fillets

These fillets go straight from the freezer into the air fryer, making dinner prep super simple. No need to plan ahead or wait for fish to defrost. This makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is tight. Just pop them in and let the air fryer do the work!
The air fryer gives the branzino a beautiful golden brown finish while keeping the inside moist and tender. It’s hard to overcook them when you follow this method. You get consistent results without the guesswork. The texture and flavor are truly restaurant-quality!
Set the timer, and in just 12 minutes, you’ll have a healthy and flavorful main course. There’s no flipping, no fuss, and barely any cleanup. Even beginner cooks can master this! It’s one of the fastest ways to enjoy fresh-tasting seafood.
All you need are branzino fillets and your favorite seasonings. Salt and pepper are enough to let the natural flavor of the fish shine. This is a clean, healthy recipe without any complicated ingredients. You can customize it to suit your taste!
This dish is naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, low-carb, and paleo. If you’re watching what you eat or cooking for someone with dietary needs, it’s a perfect choice. It’s also high in protein and low in calories. A healthy dinner never tasted so good!

Ingredients For Air Fryer Branzino Fillets

Frozen Branzino Fillets – Mild, flaky white fish that cooks beautifully in the air fryer. Trader Joe’s frozen fillets work perfectly for this recipe.
Salt – Adds flavor and brings out the natural taste of the branzino.
Black Pepper – Gives a gentle kick and enhances the overall seasoning.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Branzino Fillets

Air Fryer – The key to cooking the branzino quickly and evenly with a perfectly crisped outside.
Instant-Read Thermometer (Optional) – Helps ensure the fish is fully cooked by checking for an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Tongs or Spatula – Useful for removing the hot fillets from the air fryer without breaking them apart.

How To Make Air Fryer Branzino Fillets

Take the frozen branzino fillets straight out of the package—no thawing needed.
Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the fillets for 12 minutes.
Once done, use a food thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 145°F.
If not fully cooked, put them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.
Carefully remove the fillets and season them while hot with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices.
Serve and enjoy your perfectly cooked fish!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fillets for extra brightness.
Plate with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a more filling option.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips For Success

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – Place fillets in a single layer without overlapping to allow proper air circulation and even cooking. If needed, cook in batches.
Cook straight from frozen – This recipe is designed for frozen fillets. If using fresh branzino, reduce the cook time by about 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Use an instant-read thermometer – For perfect doneness, check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This ensures the fish is fully cooked and still moist.
Season after cooking – Seasonings don’t stick well to frozen fish, so sprinkle salt, pepper, or other spices after air frying while the fillets are still hot.
Handle gently – Branzino becomes very tender when cooked. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully lift the fillets out of the air fryer without breaking them.

Variations And Substitutions

Use a different type of fish – Substitute branzino with other white fish like tilapia, cod, haddock, or flounder. Just make sure the fillets are similar in thickness so the cooking time stays the same.
Change up the seasonings – Add garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, or dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme after cooking. For some heat, sprinkle on red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Add richness after cooking – Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the fillets once they’re out of the air fryer. A simple garlic butter sauce also adds great flavor without much effort.
Brighten with citrus – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, refreshing touch that pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of branzino.
Adapt for dietary needs – This recipe is naturally gluten-free, keto, low-carb, and paleo. To lower sodium, skip the salt or use a salt-free seasoning. It’s also dairy-free and Whole30 compliant if you skip butter-based toppings.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers – Let the branzino fillets cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer storage – Place fillets in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Use parchment paper between fillets if stacking.
Reheat in the air fryer – Set to 350°F and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the best texture.
Microwave option – Reheat gently, covered with a paper towel to prevent splatters. Note that the texture may be softer.
Keep it moist – Drizzle with a little olive oil or lemon juice before reheating to refresh the flavor and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook fresh branzino fillets in the air fryer instead of frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely cook fresh branzino fillets in the air fryer. Just reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes since fresh fish cooks faster than frozen. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness using a food thermometer or by gently flaking the fish with a fork. The texture will still be moist and flaky, just like with frozen fillets.

Do I need to flip the fillets halfway through cooking?

Nope! There’s no need to flip the fillets. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, so both sides cook evenly. Just make sure they’re arranged in a single layer for the best results. Less handling also means the delicate fish stays intact.

What temperature should branzino be cooked to?

Branzino should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked. A food thermometer is the best tool to check. Once it hits that number, the fish will be moist, flaky, and delicious.

Can I season the fish before air frying?

It’s better to season the branzino after it’s cooked. When you cook fish from frozen, the moisture prevents seasonings from sticking. After cooking, the fillets are hot and dry enough for salt, pepper, or your favorite spices to cling and add flavor.

How do I know when the branzino is done?

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. If you’re using a thermometer, it should read 145°F in the thickest part. The outside will also be slightly golden and crispy. If in doubt, cook for another minute or two and check again.

What can I serve with air fryer branzino?

This fish goes with just about anything! Try it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or even a pasta dish. You can also serve it with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. It’s super versatile and works for both casual and fancy meals.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a great option for meal prep. You can cook several fillets at once and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when ready to eat. It’s a fast and healthy protein to add to your weekly meal plan.

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Crispy Air Fryer Orange Roughy Fillets – These air-fried orange roughy fillets are crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside.

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Three frozen branzino fillets cooking in an air fryer basket as shown in the Air Fryer Branzino Fillets recipe.

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