Air-Fryer Tilapia: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways, but can you cook it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air-fried tilapia is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this fish. It takes less than 15 minutes to cook and requires very few ingredients. The mild flavour and flaky texture of tilapia make it a crowd-pleaser, and cooking it in an air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This method is also convenient for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep work and cleanup.

Air-Frying Tilapia:

Seasoning and preparation

When it comes to seasoning, you have a variety of options to choose from. A simple and classic combination is salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. You can mix these spices together in a small bowl and then use your hands to rub the mixture over both sides of the fish. Alternatively, you can add olive oil or lime to the spice mix for a more robust flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try other seasonings such as chili powder, onion powder, or parmesan cheese.

If you're looking for a breaded option, you can set up a breading station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Coat the fillets by first dipping them in flour, then eggs, and finally the panko mixture. This will give your tilapia a crispy texture that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Once your tilapia fillets are seasoned and prepared, it's time to place them in the air fryer. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fillets in batches. With these simple steps, you're well on your way to creating a delicious and healthy air-fried tilapia dish.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer tilapia can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the size of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook tilapia in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking multiple portions, you may need to cook the fish in batches.

For a 4oz fillet, it is recommended to cook the tilapia for 7-10 minutes at 375F-400F, flipping the fillets halfway through. This will result in perfectly flaky fish with a golden-brown and crispy exterior. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet should reach 145F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

If you are cooking frozen tilapia, you can use the same temperature but increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Frozen fillets may take a little longer to cook, around 8-10 minutes, and you should ensure that they are cooked through before serving.

It is important to note that different air fryer brands and models may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so you may need to adjust the settings accordingly. Additionally, preheating the air fryer for 2 minutes can help reduce the cooking time and improve the colour and texture of the fillets.

Flipping the fillets

When cooking tilapia fillets in an air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding the basket. This is because the overlapped areas will not cook evenly. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the fillets in batches.

The cooking time for tilapia fillets in an air fryer will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, the fillets will take around 7 to 10 minutes to cook at 375F/190C to 400F. If you are cooking frozen fillets, you will need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

To flip the fillets, use a spatula to carefully lift and turn them over. Be gentle, as tilapia is a delicate fish and can easily break.

Once the fillets are flipped, continue cooking for the remaining time. To check if the fillets are done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The fillets are safely cooked when the thickest part of the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145F. Alternatively, you can use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fish. If the fish is easily flaked, opaque and firm to the touch, it is ready to be served.

Using frozen tilapia

Yes, you can cook frozen tilapia in the air fryer. It is a quick and delicious way to cook fish when you don't want to thaw it or don't have a lot of time. It is also a healthy option as air-frying requires less oil.

To cook frozen tilapia, first, rinse the fillets under cold water to remove any frost or ice. Then, pat the fish dry with paper towels. You can then brush the tilapia with oil and sprinkle your chosen spices and seasonings on top.

When it comes to cooking the fish, preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Some recipes suggest cooking at 380°F or 390°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your fillets and your air fryer, but it should take around 12-15 minutes. If you are cooking larger fillets, you may want to increase the cooking time to 14-15 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time will be longer for frozen tilapia compared to fresh fillets.

To check that your tilapia is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet has reached 145°F. If you don't have a thermometer, the fish is cooked when it is firm to the touch, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork.

Reheating leftovers

You can cook tilapia in an air fryer in just a few minutes. It's a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this fish.

If you have any leftover tilapia, you can reheat it in the air fryer. Reheating in the air fryer is a great way to bring back the crispiness of your leftovers without drying them out. It's much better than using a microwave, which can make food soggy.

To reheat your leftover tilapia, preheat your air fryer to 350°F–400°F for 4–5 minutes. Place the tilapia in the basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Reheat for 2–3 minutes, checking regularly to ensure it doesn't overcook.

You can also reheat frozen tilapia in the air fryer. Simply add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions