Looking for a quick fish dinner option that is healthy and delicious? Then You’ll love my easy Air Fryer Tilapia. With no breading involved, Tilapia in the air fryer turns out with a crispy exterior, tender and perfectly flaky on the inside in under 10 minutes.
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As a lover of seafood, I’ve become a fan of any fish cooked in an air fryer. I love the crispiness and juicy texture that just can’t be beaten. Whether it is Air fryer Salmon, Air-fried Cod, or tilapia – they all come out perfectly cooked and full of flavor – no need for excessive oil and butter to make them shine.
What kind of fish is Tilapia?
Tilapia is a mild-flavored freshwater fish that’s often compared to cod or catfish. Because of its lean protein content and low fat, tilapia is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy and sustainable source of seafood. I love that tilapia has a boneless fillet, and it is also easy to prepare – perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals. I know that my family can enjoy a delicious tilapia fish without the worry of choking. Air fryer tilapia has become my go-to whenever I need a meal that is both effortless and delicious.
Ingredients
Two tilapia fillets (thawed, if using frozen), and a tablespoon of your preferred cooking oil (extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil works perfectly). Sometimes I use melted butter mixed with garlic to rub my tilapia.
Fresh garlic. While garlic powder may seem like an easier option, it simply can’t compete with the depth of flavor that comes from using freshly minced garlic. As I prepare my tilapia fillets, the smell of the garlic slowly infuses into the fish, filling my kitchen with a tantalizing smell that makes my mouth water.
A sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, and a seasoning of choice. Instead of breadcrumbs, this recipe uses a delicious combination of spices, including paprika, garlic, and lemon zest, to give the fish a flavorful kick. I used Old Bay seasoning. I love how its unique blend of herbs and spices adds a delightful zest to the tilapia, enhancing its natural flavors.
How to Make Tilapia in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) while you prepare the tilapia fillets. While the air fryer is heating up, pat dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial! Please don’t skip it. It ensures that oil and seasoning adhere evenly and the fish becomes nice and crispy in the air fryer.
Brush each fillet with olive oil and season with lemon juice and old bay seasoning. Rub with freshly pressed garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. I sometimes love to experiment with other flavors like cajun seasoning for some heat.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding them. Cook for 8-10 minutes (depending on the thickness of the fillets), no need to flip halfway through cooking time. The tilapia should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
Serve the hot and crispy air-fried tilapia immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and crunch. Some of our favorites include Air Fryer Roasted Veggies, quinoa, or a simple refreshing Cucumber Salad. If you’re in the mood for something starchy, Air Fryer Sweet Potato or brown rice are both great choices as well.
The best part about air fryer tilapia is how quickly it cooks, leaving you plenty of time to experiment with different side dish options. If your air fryer is large enough, you can cook tilapia together and at the same time with Air-fried Broccoli or Air-fried Brussels Sprouts. The machine that I use is Ninja Foodi XL 6-in-1.
Should I flip my Tilapia in the Air fryer?
Although there’s a chance your fish may fall apart during the process, the end result is well worth it. By flipping the tilapia halfway through cooking in the air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly crispy texture on both sides. However, make sure that the fillets are well-oiled before placing them in the air fryer basket. This will prevent them from sticking to the basket and falling apart when you try to flip them. Secondly, use the help of a spatula to gently flip the fillets.
Variations
While this Air Fryer Tilapia recipe is delicious as is, you can always tailor it to your taste preferences. Here are a few suggestions to change up the recipe:
Roll it in Panko: You can coat the fish with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Please refer to my Air Fryer Breaded Cod recipe with panko breadcrumbs. They add a yummy crunch and also give the fish a flavor boost. Panko breadcrumbs, which are coarser and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, are a great addition to any seafood dish for a game-changing taste and texture.
Experiment with different seasonings: Try Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile. I love Jo-Ann’s easy Tilapia video recipe with Lemon-pepper and Paprika.
Add lemon-butter-garlic sauce. The combination of tangy lemon, rich butter, and savory garlic creates a well-balanced flavor that enhances the mild taste of tilapia without overwhelming it. Melt 4 oz of butter in a saucepan or microwave, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and stir until the ingredients are well combined. Pour the sauce over the cooked tilapia.
You can also make a creamy Chipotle Mayo Sauce by blending mayo, sour cream, and chipotle peppers in the food processor. This sauce not only adds a burst of flavor to the dish, but the smooth texture also helps balance the flakiness of the fish.
Leftovers
To maintain the tilapia’s flakiness and taste, store air-fried fish in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat your tilapia without losing its crispy texture, pop it back into the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes or until heated through.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe:
Cooking flat fish in an air fryer is easy, and leads to a quicker cooking time and less cleanup. To ensure your tilapia comes out just right, follow these tips:
- Opt for fresh or thawed fillets that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Season: Be generous with your seasoning to infuse the fish with flavor. Don’t forget to season both sides of each fillet. Some of my favorite fish seasoning is Old Bay seasoning, Cajun spice, Lemon Pepper, or Salmon rub.
- For an extra-crispy crust, lightly coat the fillets with a little oil before applying your breading or seasoning. Or use spray oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes before adding your seasoned fillets. This will ensure that they start cooking immediately upon placing them in the basket.
- The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker fillets may need a minute or two longer.
- For perfectly cooked air fryer tilapia, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your fillets. Halfway through cooking, gently flip the fillets over to ensure even browning on both sides. Once done, check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet – it should flake easily when done. You can check this using a meat thermometer and inserting it into the thickest part of the fish. For most fish, including tilapia, the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat.
More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes You’ll Love
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Best Damn Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Tilapia
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets about 1-inch thick. Thawed, if using frozen
- 1 Tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil or Avocado oil
- 2 Garlic cloves finely minced. Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Seasoning I used Old Bay seasoning. You can also try it with lemon pepper seasoning, or cajun spice.
Instructions
- Prep Tilapia Fillets: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) while you prepare the tilapia fillets. While the air fryer is heating up, pat dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial. Do not skip it. It ensures that oil and seasoning adhere evenly and the fish becomes nice and crispy in the air fryer.
- Brush each fillet with olive oil and season with lemon juice and old bay seasoning. Rub with freshly pressed garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. I sometimes love to experiment with other flavors like cajun seasoning for some heat.
- Air fry: Place the tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes (depending on thickness) or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time (see notes in the post) to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the fish has reached 145°F.
- Add lemon-butter-garlic sauce. The combination of tangy lemon, rich butter, and savory garlic creates a well-balanced flavor that enhances the mild taste of tilapia without overwhelming it. Melt 4-oz of butter in a saucepan or microwave, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and stir until the ingredients are well combined. Pour the sauce over the cooked tilapia.
Notes
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe:
Cooking fish in an air fryer is easy, and leads to a quicker cooking time and less cleanup. To ensure your tilapia comes out just right, follow these tips:- Opt for fresh or thawed fillets that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Season: Be generous with your seasoning to infuse the fish with flavor. Don’t forget to season both sides of each fillet. Some of my favorite fish seasoning is Old Bay seasoning, Cajun spice, Lemon Pepper, or Salmon rub.
- For an extra-crispy crust, lightly coat the fillets with a little oil before applying your breading or seasoning. Or use spray oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes before adding your seasoned fillets. This will ensure that they start cooking immediately upon placing them in the basket.
- The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker fillets may need a minute or two longer.
- For perfectly cooked air fryer tilapia, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your fillets. Halfway through cooking, gently flip the fillets over to ensure even browning on both sides. Once done, check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet – it should flake easily when done. You can check this using a meat thermometer and inserting it into the thickest part of the fish. For most fish, including tilapia, the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat.
If you want to try something different coat your fish with ready made tandoori paste or add some natural yoghurt to the marinade. I use Pataks or Sharwoods paste from ajar. You can also lightly slash the fillet and allow it to marinade overnight for a better flavour.