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

Air fryer tilapia is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in less than 15 minutes. It's a great option for busy weeknights as it requires minimal prep and cleanup. The mild-flavoured fish is seasoned and air-fried to perfection, resulting in a tender, flaky, and juicy dish that's full of flavour. You can use fresh or frozen tilapia fillets and customise the seasoning to your preference, making it a versatile and affordable meal for the whole family.

Choosing and preparing your tilapia fillets

Choosing Your Tilapia Fillets:

• Fresh or Frozen: You can use either fresh or frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe. Fresh fillets are ideal, but frozen fillets are a great option if you're looking for affordability and convenience.
• Source: Look for wild-caught tilapia if possible, as it is preferred over farmed tilapia. If you can't find wild tilapia, opt for farmed fish from the United States or Canada for better quality.
• Size and Thickness: Try to choose fillets of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking. The weight of each fillet should be around 4-6 ounces.
• Color and Texture: When buying fresh tilapia, look for translucent white or ivory-colored flesh. Avoid fillets with discolored or mushy areas.

Preparing Your Tilapia Fillets:

• Thawing: If you're using frozen tilapia, it's best to thaw it before cooking. You can do this by transferring the fillets from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before cooking.
• Drying: Before seasoning, pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, especially if your fillets were previously frozen, as it ensures the seasoning sticks better and promotes crisping during cooking.
• Seasoning: Brush each fillet with olive oil or avocado oil on both sides, or use an olive oil spray. In a small bowl, mix your choice of seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder). Generously sprinkle or rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the fillets.
• Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature (350-400°F) for 2-4 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious air fryer tilapia with perfectly prepared fillets.

Making a sauce or seasoning

Lemon Butter Sauce

As seen in the recipe from The Big Man's World, you can make a lemon butter sauce by whisking together butter, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and cilantro in a bowl. Brush the sauce generously onto your cooked tilapia fillets and sprinkle with more cilantro.

Blackened Seasoning

As suggested by Cook at Home Mom, you can make a blackened seasoning by combining cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix generously over your tilapia fillets, gently rubbing it in to coat all sides of the fish.

Garlic Butter and Parmesan Sauce

Smack of Flavor recommends flavouring your tilapia with a simple garlic butter and parmesan sauce. Mix together melted butter, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle this mixture over your cooked tilapia fillets and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, and Spices

Hungry Lankan suggests coating your tilapia fillets with a mixture of olive oil, chili powder or paprika, black pepper powder, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Air fry the fillets, and then garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Cajun Seasoning

For a spicier option, Air Frying Foodie recommends using Cajun seasoning on your tilapia. Simply brush each fillet with olive oil or use olive oil spray, and then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Air fry as directed.

Remember, tilapia is a mild-flavoured fish, so it pairs well with a variety of sauces and seasonings. Get creative and experiment with different flavours to find your favourite!

Cooking the tilapia in the air fryer

Now that you have your tilapia fillets ready, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your tilapia turns out perfectly:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F. Most recipes recommend a temperature of 400°F, but you can adjust slightly based on your air fryer model and preferences. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the fillets get a nice colour.

Step 2: Prepare the fillets. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels or a cloth. This step is especially important if you're using previously frozen fillets, as it ensures the fish is dry before cooking.

Step 3: Season the fillets. This is where you can get creative! Mix your chosen spices and seasonings in a small bowl, then rub or sprinkle them onto the fillets, coating both sides generously. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try something more complex like a blackened seasoning blend or a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray. This step helps prevent the fish from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier.

Step 5: Place the fillets in the air fryer. Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fillets in batches.

Step 6: Air fry the tilapia. Close the air fryer and set the temperature to your desired setting, typically between 350°F and 400°F. Cook the tilapia for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. For smaller fillets, check for doneness after 5 to 6 minutes. The tilapia is done when it's flaky and opaque all the way through. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F when fully cooked.

Step 7: Flip the fillets (optional). While some recipes recommend flipping the tilapia halfway through cooking, others suggest avoiding this step as the fish can be delicate and may break apart. If you do choose to flip the fillets, use a plastic or regular spatula to carefully turn them over.

Step 8: Check for doneness. Once the tilapia is cooked through, it should be flaky and firm to the touch. You can also use a fork to gently flake the fish to check for doneness. If you're using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the fillet to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 9: Remove the tilapia from the air fryer. Once the tilapia is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer using a spatula. Place the cooked fillets on a plate or serving dish.

Step 10: Garnish and serve. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked tilapia and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the tilapia with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad. Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried tilapia!

Serving the tilapia

Tilapia is a mild white fish that can be easily overpowered, so it's best to serve it with simple sides. Suggested sides include roasted vegetables, such as brussels sprouts or corn on the cob, a rice pilaf, a light side salad, dairy-free mashed potatoes, green beans, baby potatoes, or a pasta salad.

Tilapia is also great for fish tacos—cut the fish into pieces and add them to a tortilla with cabbage, avocado, and your other favorite toppings. You could also try serving the tilapia with chimichurri sauce, Cajun seasoning, or freshly squeezed lemon with herbs.

If you have any leftover tilapia, you can reheat it gently in melted butter on the stove, or eat it cold on a salad or sandwich. However, be aware that reheated fish isn't usually as good as freshly cooked fish, so it's best to only cook as much as you'll eat in one meal.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Leftover tilapia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's best to avoid storing it with strong-smelling foods as tilapia is delicate and will absorb other scents.

You can also freeze cooked tilapia in an airtight container for up to two months.

To reheat, you can either microwave the fish for 20-30 seconds or reheat it in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes at 300°F-400°F until crispy around the edges. Reheating slowly is important as fish can quickly dry out and overcook.

Some people prefer not to reheat fish, instead choosing to eat it cold on a salad or in a sandwich.

Frequently asked questions