Air-Fried Tilapia: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Tilapia is a versatile white fish with a mild flavour that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. It is a lean, healthy, and affordable option that is sold at most major grocery stores. The air fryer method is healthier than pan-frying, as it uses less oil, and there is also no splatter to clean up. You can use fresh or frozen fillets, but if using frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Seasoning and spices

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon pepper
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano

When preparing the tilapia, you can simply sprinkle the seasoning of your choice onto the fillets and rub it in with your hands. Some recipes also suggest brushing the fillets with olive oil or spraying them with cooking spray before applying the seasoning to help it stick.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature for air-fried tilapia is consistently given as 400°F across sources. However, the cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and the number of fillets being cooked.

For a single fillet, the cooking time is around 7 minutes. If the fillet is frozen, the cooking time increases to 10 minutes. For two fillets, the cooking time is 7-9 minutes. For four fillets, the cooking time is 10-15 minutes. It is important to note that the fillets should not overlap in the air fryer basket, so cooking in batches may be necessary.

Tilapia is cooked when it is flaky and opaque throughout. A meat thermometer can be used to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet has reached 145°F.

How to store leftovers

Tilapia is a great choice for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner. It's super affordable, easy to find, and mild-tasting. Plus, it's a low-calorie and low-carb fish, making it a healthy option for your meals. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat leftovers:

Storing Leftovers:

• Leftover tilapia should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• If you want to freeze your leftovers, place the cooked and cooled tilapia in an airtight container and store it in the freezer. Frozen tilapia will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating Leftovers:

• To reheat, you can either use the microwave or the air fryer.
• For the microwave, simply heat the fish for 20-30 seconds until it's warmed through.
• If you prefer the air fryer, reheat the tilapia for 2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it's crispy around the edges.
• You can also eat leftover tilapia cold on a salad or in a sandwich. However, keep in mind that reheated fish might not taste as good as freshly cooked fish.

Tips for Storing and Reheating:

• When storing leftovers, make sure the tilapia is completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container.
• To maintain the texture and moisture of the fish, it's best to reheat in the air fryer rather than the microwave.
• If you're reheating from frozen, let the fish thaw before placing it in the air fryer.
• You can also reheat frozen tilapia in the air fryer by adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
• To enhance the flavor and moisture of the fish, brush it with melted butter or olive oil before reheating.

What to serve with tilapia

Tilapia is a mild white fish with a delicate flavour, so it's best to serve it with sides that won't overpower it. Here are some ideas for what to serve with tilapia:

Rice Side Dishes

Rice is a popular choice to serve with tilapia as it adds needed calories to the meal. Try a rice pilaf, perhaps with added vegetables, or a lemon risotto with peas and asparagus. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you could try making mashed potatoes with caramelized onions and goat cheese.

Salads

A green salad or grain salad would work well with tilapia. Try a Tuscan kale and apple salad, a strawberry spinach salad with balsamic dressing, or a chickpea salad with citrus fruit, bell pepper, and cilantro.

Pasta

Pasta is another option to make the meal more hearty. You could try a simple pasta salad, or, for a kid-friendly option, instant pot mac and cheese.

Vegetables

Every meal needs at least one vegetable side dish. Try roasted asparagus, maple Brussels sprouts, or zucchini gratin. If you're using an air fryer for your tilapia, you could also cook some air fryer broccoli or air fryer corn on the cob to go with it.

Other Ideas

If you're making fish tacos with your tilapia, you could serve them with a salsa, such as strawberry jalapeño salsa or grilled pineapple salsa. Alternatively, serve with a guacamole or a side of naan bread pudding.

How to prevent tilapia from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent tilapia from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can use parchment paper to line the basket. This will also make cleaning up easier.

You can also use air fryer liners, although this may affect the crispiness of the fish.

Spraying the basket with cooking spray or oil will also prevent the fish from sticking.

It is also important not to overcrowd the basket so that the tilapia cooks evenly.

Frequently asked questions