Air-Fried Tilapia: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be cooked in an air fryer from both fresh and frozen states. It is a mild-flavoured, flaky white fish that is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and selenium, and is low in fat.

To cook tilapia in an air fryer, first pat the fillets dry with kitchen paper and then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 350-400°F for 4-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tilapia is cooked when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Tilapia pairs well with roasted vegetables like broccoli, potatoes, or corn on the cob, or with rice or salad.

How to season tilapia for the air fryer

Seasoning your tilapia is a crucial step in ensuring your fish is full of flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season your tilapia fillets before air frying:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Pat your tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and set them aside on a large plate. This will help to ensure that the seasoning sticks to the fish.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and stir together. You can use a store-bought spice mixture, such as Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper seasoning, or make your own blend. A simple seasoning mix could include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Apply the Seasoning

Drizzle or brush each fillet with olive oil on both sides. This will help the seasoning to stick to the fish. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fillets, coating them evenly on both sides.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray or coat the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking. You can also use parchment paper or air fryer liners for easier cleanup.

Step 5: Place the Fish in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook the fish evenly.

Step 6: Air Fry the Tilapia

Follow the cooking instructions for your chosen air fryer tilapia recipe. Depending on the thickness of your fillets and the temperature of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary.

By following these steps and choosing your preferred seasonings, you can ensure that your tilapia is seasoned to perfection before air frying.

How to cook frozen tilapia in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen tilapia fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, place the frozen tilapia fillets on a large plate and drizzle with olive oil.

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the fillets, ensuring both sides are coated.

Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Spray the basket with cooking oil and add the frozen fish. Spray the fish with a little more oil for extra crispiness.

Air fry the tilapia for about 13 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork, is golden brown, and has a tender texture. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Serve with fresh lemon juice and lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• For easier cleanup, use air fryer-safe parchment paper.
• You can also freeze the seasoned tilapia before cooking. Wrap the seasoned fillets in foil and store them in a Ziploc bag in the freezer for up to 6-8 months.

How to reheat tilapia in the air fryer

To reheat tilapia in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover tilapia in the air fryer and cook for about four minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating tilapia in the air fryer is a great option, but you can also gently warm it in butter on the stove or eat it cold on a salad or sandwich.

What to serve with air fryer tilapia

There are a variety of side dishes that can be served with air fryer tilapia. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or corn on the cob
• Air fryer asparagus with garlic and parmesan
• Air fryer broccoli parmesan
• Air fryer zucchini and squash
• Air fryer carrots
• Air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus
• Air fryer zucchini fries
• Roasted broccoli
• Roasted carrots with whipped feta and pistachios
• Air fryer green beans
• Air fryer spaghetti squash
• Air fryer butternut squash
• Sesame roasted broccoli
• Air fryer cauliflower

Salads

• Light side salad
• Kale salad
• Pomegranate quinoa arugula salad
• Brussels sprouts Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli salad
• Southwestern Cobb salad
• Cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad
• Mediterranean quinoa salad

Starches

• Rice pilaf
• Jasmine rice
• Wild rice
• Quinoa
• Mashed potatoes
• Crispy air fryer diced potatoes
• Air fryer baked sweet potatoes
• Oven-roasted potatoes
• Crispy roasted potatoes
• Au gratin potatoes
• Stuffed sweet potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Sourdough dinner rolls
• Garlic bread
• Naan bread pudding
• Pan con tomate (tomato bread)
• Cheesy cauliflower bread

Salsas and Dips

• Guacamole
• Mango salsa
• Peach mango salsa
• Jalapeño pineapple salsa
• Chunky tomato salsa
• Cilantro lime slaw
• Mayo-free coleslaw
• Tzatziki sauce
• Pesto
• Peanut sauce

How to prevent tilapia from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent tilapia from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can use a few different methods. Firstly, ensure that you pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is a crucial step as it ensures that oil and seasoning adhere evenly to the fish. You can then brush or spray each fillet with olive oil or another cooking oil, which will help the seasoning stick and create a crispy exterior.

Additionally, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, or use air fryer liners, to ensure the fish doesn't stick. However, this may affect the crispness of the fish. Another option is to use cooking spray or spray oil on the basket before adding the fish.

Frequently asked questions