Air-Fried Tilapia: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Tilapia is a mild-flavoured white fish that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. It's a great option for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. The air fryer method is also healthier than other ways of cooking the fish, as it uses less oil and doesn't create a mess from splattering.

Seasoning and preparation

Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. For a simple seasoning, you can use salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add smoked paprika for a lovely smokey flavour. Other seasonings you can use include Cajun or taco seasoning, or a blackened seasoning blend. You can also dredge the fillets in teriyaki sauce or lemon pepper before air frying.

To prepare the tilapia, start by patting the fillets dry with paper towels. Then, brush each fillet with olive oil or olive oil spray on both sides. Alternatively, you can rub or spray the fillets with olive oil. Next, sprinkle or rub the seasoning onto the fillets, making sure to coat both sides. If you are using a wet rub, such as butter or sauce, make sure to coat the fillets generously.

Some recipes suggest mixing the seasoning with the olive oil and brushing the mixture onto the fillets. You can also add the olive oil to the air fryer basket to prevent the fish from sticking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried tilapia depend on whether the fillets are fresh or frozen, and whether or not the air fryer is preheated.

If you're using fresh tilapia fillets, cook them for 7 to 10 minutes at 400°F (204°C). If your fillets are frozen, cook them for 9 to 12 minutes at the same temperature. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, turn it on and wait 3 to 4 minutes for it to warm up before adding the fillets.

The tilapia is done when it's cooked through and flaky. You can also check the temperature with a meat thermometer—the FDA recommends cooking tilapia to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Reheating leftovers

Preparation

Gently pat dry the leftover tilapia using paper towels to remove any excess moisture that could lead to sogginess during reheating. If you wish, you can lightly brush or spray the fish with a small amount of oil to enhance its crispiness.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). Allow the air fryer to reach the set temperature before placing the tilapia inside. Preheating ensures that the fish will cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.

Arranging the Fish

Lay the tilapia fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the fillets to ensure proper air circulation. If you’re reheating a larger quantity, consider reheating them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.

Reheating

Place the basket with the tilapia into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3-5 minutes. The exact time may vary based on your air fryer’s model and the thickness of the fillets. The goal is to reheat without overcooking the fish.

Monitoring and Flipping

Keep a close eye on the tilapia to prevent overcooking or burning. If your air fryer doesn’t have an auto-rotate feature, consider flipping the fillets halfway through the reheating time to ensure even crispness on both sides.

Testing for Crispiness

After the reheating time is up, carefully remove one fillet and test its texture. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy, while the interior should remain flaky and tender. If the crispiness isn’t to your liking, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Serving

Once the tilapia is reheated to perfection, serve it immediately. Pair it with your favourite sides, sauces, or salads for a complete meal. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful leftovers!

Storing leftovers

Leftover tilapia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. It is best to reheat the fish in an air fryer for about four minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or eat it cold on a salad or sandwich.

If you want to store cooked tilapia in the freezer, place it in an airtight container and store it for up to two months.

Serving suggestions

Tilapia is a mild-flavoured white fish, so it can be served with a variety of side dishes without being overpowered. Here are some suggestions:

• Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or corn on the cob.
• Rice, such as mushroom rice, cilantro rice, or wild rice.
• Salad, such as a light side salad or a purple cabbage and carrot slaw.
• Pasta, such as lemon orzo pasta salad.
• Potatoes, such as mashed potatoes, baby potatoes, or roasted potatoes.
• Other vegetables, such as roasted green beans, broccoli, or potatoes.

Tilapia is also a great option for fish tacos, so you could serve it with coleslaw, avocado, and cabbage, or in a tortilla with cauliflower curry. For a simple dinner, serve it with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and a salad.

Frequently asked questions