Air-Fryer Tilapia: Can You Do It?

Yes, you can put tilapia in the air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this mild-flavoured fish, which is ready in less than 15 minutes. It's also a great option if you're looking to introduce more fish into your diet.

How long to cook tilapia in an air fryer

Yes, you can put tilapia in the air fryer! Here is a guide on how long to cook it for, depending on your preferences:

Air frying tilapia is a quick and easy way to cook this fish, which is renowned for its mild flavour. It is also a healthy option, as it requires minimal oil.

The cooking time will depend on your air fryer, the thickness of the fillets, and whether you are cooking from fresh or frozen. Fresh tilapia fillets will take around 7-10 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on their thickness. Frozen fillets may take around 3 minutes longer.

It is recommended that you flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to avoid overcooking on one side. However, some recipes advise against this, as the fish is delicate and may break.

The FDA recommends that tilapia is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipes

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (4-6 ounces each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Lemon juice
• Butter
• Cilantro
• Parsley

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray.
• Pat the tilapia fillets dry.
• Mix the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl, then rub the spices over both sides of the fillets.
• Place the fillets in the air fryer basket and spray the top with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• While the fish is cooking, make a sauce by whisking together the butter, garlic, lemon juice, and cilantro.
• Brush the sauce over the cooked fillets and serve immediately.

You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh parsley to the cooked fillets.

How to season tilapia for the air fryer

Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be seasoned in many ways for air frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season tilapia for the air fryer, along with some seasoning suggestions.

Step 1: Pat the Tilapia Fillets Dry

Use paper towels to gently pat the tilapia fillets dry. This step ensures that the fish is not soggy and helps the seasoning stick to the fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix your chosen spices and herbs. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper with some garlic powder or minced garlic, or try something more complex. Some popular seasoning options include:

• Lemon pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic herb seasoning
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Fresh or dried herbs like parsley or chives

Step 3: Season the Tilapia

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the tilapia fillets. Gently rub the spices onto the fish with clean hands, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the fish cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior.

Step 5: Air Fry the Tilapia

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the basket. Air fry for around 8-10 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through the cooking time. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the fish in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• If you are worried about the fish sticking to the basket, use parchment paper or an air fryer liner.
• Fresh tilapia is best, but frozen fillets can also be used. If using frozen tilapia, pat the fillets dry before seasoning to ensure the seasoning sticks and the fish crisps up.
• For a complete meal, serve the air fryer tilapia with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer tilapia!

Can you cook frozen tilapia in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen tilapia in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook this mild-flavoured fish, which is also low-calorie and low-carb.

To cook frozen tilapia, first, rinse the fillets under cold water to remove any frost or ice. Then, pat them dry with paper towels. Next, brush the tilapia with oil and sprinkle your chosen spices on top. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh parsley to serve.

The cooking time for frozen tilapia is longer than for fresh fillets. Cook frozen tilapia in the air fryer for about 12-13 minutes at 380°F. If the fish is browning too quickly, turn the temperature down to 350-360°F. The best way to ensure the fish is cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 145°F.

You can also cook frozen tilapia in the air fryer without defrosting it first. However, it is easier to season the fish after it has been defrosted. If cooking from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What to serve with air fryer tilapia

Air fryer tilapia is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer tilapia:

Vegetables

• Air fryer zucchini and squash
• Roasted carrots
• Air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Cinnamon maple Brussels sprouts
• Air fryer carrots
• Arugula
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Brussel sprouts
• Carrots
• Bell peppers

Rice and Grains

• Mushroom rice
• Cilantro rice
• Jasmine rice
• Quinoa
• Fried rice
• Coconut rice
• Wild rice
• Lemon risotto with peas and asparagus
• Quinoa with roasted vegetables
• Farro salad with corn, tomatoes, and edamame
• Polenta
• Cauliflower rice

Salads

• Kale salad
• Pomegranate quinoa arugula salad
• Brussels sprouts Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli salad
• Southwestern Cobb salad
• Cucumber tomato avocado salad
• Mediterranean quinoa salad
• Tuscan kale and apple salad
• Roasted butternut squash salad

Breads

• Garlic bread
• Sourdough rolls
• Bruschetta
• Pumpkin butter crostini
• Naan bread pudding
• Pan con tomate (tomato bread)
• Cheesy cauliflower bread

Potatoes

• Crispy air fryer diced potatoes
• Air fryer baked sweet potatoes
• Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions and goat cheese
• Crispy roasted potatoes
• Au gratin potatoes
• Stuffed sweet potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole

Other Sides

• Steamed green beans
• Ratatouille
• Homemade salsa
• Pesto sauce or pesto vinaigrette
• Street corn pasta salad
• Baked beans
• Cucumber and black bean salad
• Cowboy caviar dip
• Cheese enchiladas with black beans
• Tzatziki sauce

How to store leftover air fryer tilapia

You can store leftover air fryer tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. Tilapia is delicate and will absorb smells, so avoid storing it with strong-smelling foods.

To reheat, either microwave the fish for 20-30 seconds or use the air fryer for two minutes at 400°F, until crispy.

Frequently asked questions