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

Air fryer tilapia is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you're short on time but don't want to sacrifice flavour. This guide will take you through the simple steps to cook delicious, crispy tilapia in your air fryer, including how to season the fish and what temperature to set your air fryer to.

Preheat the air fryer

While the air fryer is preheating, rinse the tilapia fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will remove any extra moisture.

Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking.

Season the tilapia fillets

To season the tilapia fillets, first pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, mix together your chosen seasonings in a small bowl. For example, you could use lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, pepper, salt, and paprika, or you could try oil, chilli powder, black pepper powder, garlic powder, salt, and lime.

Once you have mixed your chosen seasonings, generously rub or spray them over both sides of the fillets. You can then lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the fish from sticking.

Cook the tilapia

To cook the tilapia, first, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 2-3 minutes. Rinse the tilapia fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings and oil. You could use lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, pepper, salt, and paprika, or try chilli powder, black pepper powder, garlic powder, and lime. Rub the mixture over the tops of the fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the fillets inside, avoiding overlap. Air fry the tilapia at 400F for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin becomes flaky. If your fish is frozen, it may need a few minutes longer. For a final touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Garnish with parsley and lemon juice

Once you've cooked your tilapia fillets in the air fryer, it's time to add the finishing touches. To garnish the fish with parsley and lemon juice, start by finely chopping a handful of fresh parsley. You can use a chef's knife or a food processor for this task. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the cooked tilapia fillets, adding a generous pinch of colour and flavour to the dish.

Next, cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the fillets. The bright, tangy flavour of lemon juice will enhance the taste of the fish and complement the parsley. You can also add a few thin lemon slices as a decorative touch if desired.

The combination of parsley and lemon juice not only adds a burst of flavour to the tilapia but also makes the dish more visually appealing. This simple yet effective garnish is a classic for a reason - it's a delicious way to elevate your air-fried tilapia.

If you want to get creative, you can also experiment with other herbs and citrus fruits. For example, you could try using dill or chives instead of parsley and adding a twist of orange or lime juice for a unique flavour profile.

Use wild-caught tilapia

When cooking tilapia in an air fryer, it is recommended to use wild-caught tilapia over farmed tilapia. If you cannot find wild-caught tilapia, opt for farmed fish from the United States or Canada for the best quality.

To prepare wild-caught tilapia in an air fryer, start by rinsing the fillets and patting them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. In a small bowl, mix together your choice of seasonings and oil. You can use a variety of seasonings such as lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, pepper, salt, paprika, chilli powder, black pepper powder, garlic powder, or lime juice. Ensure you mix it well to combine.

Generously coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning and oil mixture. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 2-3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.

Air fry the tilapia at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the skin becomes flaky. Avoid flipping the tilapia during the cooking process, as it is delicate and may break. Once cooked, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy your delicious and healthy wild-caught tilapia!

Frequently asked questions