Air-Fryer Tilapia: Is It Possible?

Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be cooked in an air fryer to produce a quick, easy, and healthy meal. It is a mild-tasting, affordable, and accessible fish that can be cooked from fresh or frozen. The air fryer method is a healthier way to get fish crispy without using a lot of oil, and it also minimises cleanup.

Seasoning and preparation

A simple seasoning can be made by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or use Cajun or keto taco seasoning for a different flavour profile. Lemon pepper seasoning is another great option, combining lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt.

Before seasoning, it is important to pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure that the exterior of the fish gets nice and crispy when cooked. You can then drizzle the fillets with olive oil so that the seasonings stick.

Once you have seasoned the fillets, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Avoid overlapping the fillets, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If needed, cook the fish in batches.

If you are using frozen tilapia, it is recommended to thaw it before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and allow the seasonings to stick better. However, if you are short on time, you can cook frozen tilapia in the air fryer by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer tilapia will depend on the type of tilapia used and whether it is breaded or not.

For unbreaded tilapia, it is recommended to cook the fish at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes. The tilapia should be cooked until it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. The FDA recommends that tilapia be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).

For breaded tilapia, it is recommended to cook the fish at 350°F (177°C) for a total of 15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through.

If using frozen tilapia, it is recommended to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, or to thaw the fish before cooking.

Frozen vs fresh tilapia

Yes, you can cook tilapia in an air fryer. It is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare the fish, which is ready in less than 15 minutes. You can use either fresh or frozen tilapia fillets, but it is highly recommended to thaw the fish before air frying. Frozen tilapia may be cooked without thawing, but it is easier to overcook, and the breading may burn before the fish is fully cooked.

There are several factors to consider when choosing between frozen and fresh tilapia.

Taste and Nutrition

Frozen tilapia is just as nutritious as fresh tilapia. When properly frozen immediately after harvest, the nutritional value, moisture, and taste of the fish are preserved. In blind taste tests, trained panelists have preferred fish frozen immediately after harvest over fresh fish.

Freshness

When frozen within hours of being caught, fish deteriorates less and stays fresh longer. Freezing fish within hours of catching it stops its deterioration and preserves its freshness.

Carbon Footprint

Fresh fish is usually shipped to its destination by air, which requires a lot of energy. Frozen fish, on the other hand, can be shipped by boat or truck, producing significantly fewer carbon emissions.

Waste and Convenience

An estimated 30% of fresh seafood ends up in the trash due to its perishability. Frozen fillets allow you to thaw and use only what you need, minimizing waste. Frozen fish is also more convenient, as it can be stored for longer periods and easily thawed for a quick dinner.

Serving suggestions

There are several ways to serve tilapia cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Side Dishes

You can serve the tilapia with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Roasted Green Beans
• Instant Pot Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice
• Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Garlic Bread
• Air Fryer Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
• Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Sauces and Seasonings

To add extra flavour to your tilapia, you can serve it with a sauce or seasoning. For example:

• Lemon wedges
• Parsley
• Lemon-garlic butter
• Lemon pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon butter sauce
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon juice, garlic, and butter

Salads

Tilapia cooked in an air fryer can be served with a light and fresh salad, such as:

• Avocado salad
• Cucumber Avocado Salad
• Mediterranean Chicken with Olives

Other Suggestions

Some other ways to serve tilapia include:

• French Fries
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Yogurt Dips

Reheating and storing

Leftover tilapia should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be kept for up to three or four days. It is important to note that tilapia is quite delicate and will absorb smells easily, so avoid storing it with strong-scented foods.

When it comes to reheating, there are a few options. The quickest method is to use the air fryer again and heat the fish at 350°F/180°C for about 3 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a stovetop and heat the fish in a pan with some butter over medium heat. Another option is to use a microwave, although this is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the fish. Reheat in the microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds.

For longer storage, cooked tilapia can be frozen. Wrap the fish tightly in cling wrap or aluminium foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen tilapia can be stored for up to two or three months.

Frequently asked questions