Air-Fried Tilapia: A Quick, Crispy Delight

how to make tilapia fish in air fryer

Tilapia is a mild-flavoured white fish that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes. It's a great option for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner as it's affordable, accessible, and can be cooked from frozen. The air fryer method also results in a tender and juicy piece of fish without the hassle of breading.

How to Make Tilapia Fish in an Air Fryer

Characteristics Values
Prep Time 3-5 minutes
Cook Time 7-10 minutes
Total Time 10-15 minutes
Servings 3-4
Main Ingredients Tilapia fillets, olive oil/cooking spray, salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice/wedges
Additional Ingredients Paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Parmesan cheese, parsley, butter
Air Fryer Temperature 400°F
Air Fryer Preheat Time 3 minutes
Tilapia Weight 4-8 oz per fillet

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Seasoning the fish

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. Most recipes suggest a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add onion powder, black peppercorns, or lemon zest for extra flavour. Once combined, rub the spices over both sides of the tilapia fillets, making sure they are evenly coated.

If you want to add a sauce to your tilapia, you can make a simple lemon butter sauce by whisking together butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Brush the sauce generously over the cooked fish before serving.

If you're looking for something different, you could try a Cajun or lemon pepper seasoning, or coat the fish with parmesan cheese or panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.

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Cooking the fish in the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you are cooking from frozen, there is no need to defrost the fish beforehand—simply add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the tilapia fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel, and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can also sprinkle on some paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper.

Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Then, place the fillets inside, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook the fish in batches. Spray the top of the fillets with cooking spray or oil, and air fry for around 7-10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The fish is done when it is golden brown, flakes easily with a fork, and has an internal temperature of 145°F.

If you want to add a sauce, you can mix together melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley, and brush this over the fillets when they come out of the air fryer.

And that's it! Your tilapia is now ready to be served.

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Making a sauce to accompany the fish

There are a variety of sauces that you can make to accompany your tilapia. Here are some ideas:

Lemon Butter Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Brush this sauce generously over the top of the fish fillets and serve immediately. This sauce pairs well with the tilapia, as the lemon and butter enhance the mild flavour of the fish.

Lemon-Garlic Sauce:

Mix lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt in a small bowl until well combined. Rub this mixture over the tops of the fillets and serve with lemon wedges. The lemon and garlic in this sauce add a tangy and savoury flavour to the tilapia.

Spicy Sauce:

Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix before rubbing it on the fish. This will give your tilapia a spicy kick.

Cajun Sauce:

Coat the fish with Cajun seasoning or keto taco seasoning. This will give your tilapia a bold and spicy flavour.

Teriyaki Sauce:

Dredge the tilapia fillets in teriyaki sauce for ten minutes before air frying. This will give the fish a sweet and savoury glaze.

Lemon Pepper Sauce:

Rub the tilapia with lemon juice and black peppercorns. This classic combination adds a tangy and peppery flavour to the mild tilapia.

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Reheating and storing the fish

Reheating and storing your tilapia is an important part of the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide to help you get the best results:

Storing Your Fish:

It is important to store your leftover tilapia properly to maintain its quality and safety for later consumption. Firstly, always allow the fish to cool down to room temperature, but do not leave it out for longer than two hours to prevent bacterial growth. If you have multiple fillets, consider storing them in individual serving bags for easier reheating. Place the leftovers in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, ensuring the container is the appropriate size for the amount of fish you have. You can line the container or bag with paper towels or parchment paper to prevent the fillets from sticking together.

Refrigerating or Freezing:

If you plan to consume the tilapia within one to two days, store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or lower. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent odours from spreading to other foods. If you don't plan to eat the fish within a couple of days, you can freeze it for longer-term storage. Wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil before placing them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date, and try to consume the fish within two to three months to maintain quality.

Reheating Your Fish:

Air fryers are an excellent choice for reheating your tilapia, as they help maintain the crispy texture and prevent sogginess. Start by gently patting the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. If desired, lightly brush or spray the fillets with oil to enhance crispness. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F. Place the fish in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between the fillets to ensure proper air circulation. Set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. Keep a close eye on the fish to prevent overcooking, and consider flipping the fillets halfway through for even cooking.

Testing and Serving:

After the reheating time has elapsed, carefully remove a fillet and check its texture. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy, while the interior should remain flaky and tender. If necessary, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two. Once the tilapia is reheated to your liking, serve it immediately with your favourite sides, sauces, or salads. Remember, reheated fish is best enjoyed right after cooking.

Alternative Reheating Methods:

If you don't have access to an air fryer, there are other ways to reheat your tilapia. You can use a conventional oven or toaster oven set to a low temperature of around 275°F. Place the fish on an oven-safe dish or baking tray, loosely covered with aluminium foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but this may result in a rubbery texture. Always be cautious not to overheat the fish, as it can dry out if cooked for too long, regardless of the reheating method.

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Serving suggestions

Tilapia is a mild white fish and can be overpowered easily. It is best served with a simple side dish to let the fish shine. Here are some suggestions:

  • Roasted vegetables, such as roasted Brussels sprouts or corn on the cob.
  • Rice pilaf or a light side salad.
  • Air Fryer Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan.
  • Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan.
  • Air Fryer Corn on the Cob.
  • Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries.

If you are serving the tilapia with a sauce, you could also consider pairing it with:

  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Pasta

For a more substantial meal, you could serve the tilapia as part of a larger dish, such as:

  • Fish tacos: season the fish with homemade taco seasoning and serve with cabbage, avocado, and other toppings.
  • Fish and chips.

Frequently asked questions

It takes about 7-10 minutes to cook tilapia in the air fryer, depending on the thickness of the fillets. You'll know it's done when the fish flakes easily, turns golden brown, and has a tender texture.

You can either thaw the fish or cook it straight from frozen. If you're cooking from frozen, add an extra 3 minutes to the cooking time.

Yes, you can bread the tilapia. Dip the fillets in a mixture of seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

Tilapia is a mild-flavored white fish, so it pairs well with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or corn on the cob, a light side salad, or rice pilaf.

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