Air-Fryer Tilapia: A Quick, Crispy, And Healthy Treat

Tilapia is a versatile, mild-flavoured fish that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation and delicious results. The air fryer method is quick, easy, and healthy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With no breading, this recipe is accessible to many diets, including low-carb, keto, and gluten-free. The fish is tender, juicy, and flaky, with a crispy exterior, and can be seasoned to your liking. It's also affordable and widely available, making it a great option for a tasty and nutritious meal.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your tilapia fillets start cooking immediately upon placement in the basket, leading to even cooking and a desirable crispy texture.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), start by setting the temperature on your machine. Depending on your air fryer model, this may involve turning it on and setting the temperature or simply selecting the desired temperature. Allow the air fryer to heat up for 3-5 minutes before adding your tilapia fillets. This duration may vary slightly between different air fryer models, so refer to your specific model's instructions for the most accurate preheating time.

During the preheating process, you can prepare your tilapia fillets. Start by patting the fillets dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. Removing any excess moisture will help the oil and seasonings adhere better to the fish. Next, brush the fillets with oil or cooking spray on all sides. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket.

After brushing the fillets with oil, it's time to season them generously. Mix your preferred seasonings in a small bowl, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like turmeric powder, chilli flakes, or lemon zest. Once you've created your custom seasoning blend, rub it onto all sides of the tilapia fillets.

Pat fillets dry, then season

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This is an important step to ensure the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer basket and fall apart when you try to flip it. It also helps to create a crispy texture on both sides of the fish.

Once the fillets are dry, brush them with oil or cooking spray on all sides. This will help the seasoning stick to the fish and create an even crispier exterior. You can use any type of cooking oil or cooking spray you prefer, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter.

Now it's time to season the fillets. Tilapia has a mild flavor, so it's a great canvas for experimenting with different seasoning mixes. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric powder, and chilli flakes. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then rub the mixture all over the fillets, making sure to coat both sides.

If you want to add a tangy kick to your tilapia, you can also squeeze some lemon juice over the fillets before seasoning. This will brighten up the flavor and add a bit of acidity to balance the dish.

With the fillets patted dry and seasoned, you're now ready to place them in the air fryer and let the cooking begin!

Place fillets in the air fryer basket

When you are ready to cook the tilapia fillets, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is important not to overlap the fillets or overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the hot air from circulating properly and result in uneven cooking. If you have more fillets than can fit comfortably in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Before placing the fillets in the basket, ensure they are well-oiled. This will prevent them from sticking to the basket and falling apart when you try to flip them. You can also line the basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Once the fillets are in the basket, you can spray them with a little more oil or cooking spray. This will help to ensure a crispy exterior.

If you are cooking frozen fillets, the process is largely the same. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may be longer, and you may need to add an extra 3 minutes if the fillets are not thawed.

Spray with oil or cooking spray

To cook tilapia in an air fryer without breading, you'll want to start by patting your fillets dry with paper towels. Then, brush the tilapia fillets with oil or cooking spray on all sides. You can use any cooking oil or cooking spray you prefer.

Next, mix your seasonings. A simple combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper is a great option. You can also add turmeric powder to this mixture. Alternatively, you can use freshly minced garlic, parsley, ground black pepper, sea salt, and chilli flakes. If you're using fresh garlic, you can mix it with melted butter and brush it onto the fillets.

Once your fillets are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket. Spray the fillets with cooking spray or lightly coat them with oil to get that extra crispy crust. Make sure not to overload the air fryer basket so that the tilapia cooks evenly. You can also line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your tilapia for about 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and whether they are fresh or frozen. For fresh fillets, 10 to 12 minutes should be sufficient. For frozen fillets, set the timer for 13 to 15 minutes.

Cook for 7-15 minutes

After you have seasoned the tilapia fillets and placed them in the air fryer basket, it's time to cook them. Depending on the power of your air fryer, the cooking time will vary. Set the timer for 7 to 15 minutes. If you are using frozen fillets, set the timer for slightly longer, around 10 to 15 minutes. The fillets are ready when the flesh is white and flakes easily with a fork.

It is a good idea to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and to achieve a crispy texture on both sides. However, tilapia is a delicate fish, so be careful when flipping as the fillets may break. If you are worried about the fish sticking to the basket, you can use parchment paper or an air fryer liner.

The FDA recommends that tilapia is safe to eat once the thickest part of the fillet reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Frequently asked questions