Air Fryer Tilapia 101: Cooking Made Easy
I recently started making air fryer tilapia, and I love it because it’s quick, easy, and healthy and my family will eat it – even the kids – cue the miracle music!
As my kids are getting a little older, some are getting pickier which is crazy annoying. Not to brag, but I’ve become somewhat of an expert at tricking them into eating healthy meals which is no small feat. Am I a wizard? No.
Do I sometimes play one on TV? Maybe.
Why Tilapia?
Tilapia offers a canvas for your culinary creativity. Its mild flavor means you can get crazy creative with the seasonings, from zesty lemon pepper to smoky paprika.
Plus, tilapia’s quick cooking time means dinner is served in a flash, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of family and friends—or perhaps indulge in a well-deserved moment of solitude with a glass of wine. Solitude? With 4 kids running around I’ve forgotten.
It’s also a relatively budget-friendly fish choice. We love Seabass and Tuna and such but I feel like tilapia is half the price of the others. That’s why we eat a lot of Cod as well. Same mindset.
It’s healthy too – low in calories, rich in protein, and a good source of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.
And did I mention my kids will eat it?!? Now a few of them like to dip it in ketchup but I don’t care, as long as they’re filling their bellies.
You can use fresh or frozen fillets for your healthy meal in the air fryer.
Benefits of Using the Air Fryer
When cooking air fryer tilapia, you can get a crispy exterior without excess oil and you can make it fast. I cook mine for all of 12 minutes and dinner is done.
The air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier cooking method than traditional frying.
With its quick preheating and cooking times, the air fryer makes whipping up a delicious batch of tilapia fillets a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Plus, with minimal cleanup and tons of seasoning possibilities, the air fryer is a no-brainer for a busy family like mine.
Preparation and Seasoning
Preparing the tilapia fillets for air frying is a snap.
You can just rinse and pat them dry.
There are tons of seasoning options, such as lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or a simple salt and pepper blend.
Honestly, the other night I just used Old Bay seasoning, some lemon juice, butter, and herbs they gave me for free at the grocery store the last time I bought fish.
Cooking Process
Preheat the air fryer – I put mine at 400 degrees. Depending on the type of air fryer you own, you may be able to skip this. My first air fryer was smaller and I hardly ever preheated. The one I own now is built into my oven so I usually preheat.
Arrange the tilapia fillets in the basket. Make sure they’re not layered or overcrowded.
I cook mine at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes. Recently I’ve been using the frozen bagged brand from Aldi so I do thaw them before cooking.
Some people flip their tilapia half way through the cooking process but my fillets are usually so small, I never do that part.
Nutritional information of the Tilapia fillets
Serving Suggestions
There are tons of options when it comes to what to serve with your air fryer tilapia.
Roasted Asparagus:
Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then roast them in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized. I add minced garlic and chopped onion to mine and it’s delicious.
Quinoa Salad:
Prepare a refreshing quinoa salad with cooked quinoa, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and a simple lemon vinaigrette.
Green Beans Almondine:
Sauté fresh green beans in butter until crisp-tender, then toss them with toasted almonds, lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness for delicious green bean almondine.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes:
Boil baby potatoes until tender, then gently smash them with a fork, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings, and air fry until crispy and golden brown.
Caprese Salad:
Arrange sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves on a platter, drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Sweet Potato Wedges:
Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt, then air fry until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Orzo Pasta Salad:
Toss cooked orzo pasta with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil for a light and flavorful side dish.
Air fryer biscuits
The heartiness of a canned refrigerated biscuit cooked in the air fryer pairs perfectly with the lightness of the tilapia. Cook the biscuits in minutes in the air fryer.
Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and seasonal availability of ingredients!
Storing leftover tilapia
Honestly, sometimes I put mine in a Ziplock bag and it’s fine for several days. You can always do an airtight container as well to keep your leftover air fryer tilapia fresh. I usually will put it on my salad for lunch the next day and it’s outstanding. I just wouldn’t take it to work. No one likes the coworker who brings leftover fish into the office.
No one.
Don’t be that gal.
I put mine on a bed of spinach and arugula. Add egg for protein, toasted nuts, blue cheese, veggies, and a little olive oil.
Oh and avocado. Yum!
FAQs- Frequently asked questions
Can I cook frozen tilapia fillets in the air fryer?Yes, you can cook frozen tilapia fillets in the air fryer. Simply adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your air fryer’s instructions. It’s recommended to thaw the fillets before cooking for more even results so that’s what I always do.
How do I prevent the tilapia from sticking to the air fryer basket?
To prevent sticking, lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil before placing the tilapia fillets in it. You can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil with holes punched in it to allow air circulation while preventing sticking. I usually just spray mine with some cooking oil.
How long do I cook the darn things?
Generally, preheat the air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) and cook the tilapia fillets for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Although, I never flip mine. The exact time may vary depending on the fillets’ thickness and the air fryer’s model, so it’s best to monitor the cooking.
How can I ensure the tilapia comes out crispy in the air fryer?
To achieve a crispy exterior, make sure the tilapia fillets are thoroughly coated with a light layer of oil or cooking spray before air frying. Additionally, flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking time helps to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
Can I season the tilapia with spices and herbs before air frying?
Absolutely! Seasoning the tilapia fillets with your favorite spices, herbs, and citrus zest before air frying can enhance their flavor. Popular seasoning options include lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs.
Is air fryer tilapia a healthy option?
Yes, cooking tilapia in the air fryer is generally considered a healthier option compared to deep-frying, as it requires less oil for cooking. Tilapia itself is low in calories and rich in protein, making it a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.
Can I cook multiple tilapia fillets at once in the air fryer?
You can cook multiple tilapia fillets in the air fryer as long as you arrange them in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded.If necessary, cook the fillets in batches to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
Conclusion
Feel free to get creative with your air fryer tilapia recipe. If you make something that sings of deliciousness please let me know so I can try it too!
Oh, and I tried air fryer tilapia tacos the other night and it was delicious! I’ll have to post that soon.
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
