Air Fryer Tilapia

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If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and customizable seafood dish, Air Fryer Tilapia is a delightful recipe that is sure to leave you satisfied and wanting more.

Plus, tilapia is readily available and affordable, and cooking tilapia in air fryer is a quick and easy way to whip up a tasty meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. 

Air fryer tilapia is a straightforward recipe that requires minimal prep work and cooking time. Simply season the fillets, and in about 6 minutes you will have a wholesome and satisfying healthy fish dinner on the table with a tender texture everyone loves.

Looking for more quick seafood meals you can cook in the air fryer? Then be sure to check out my awesome Air Fryer Cod and these easy Air Fryer Salmon Patties.

And if you like fish, then please check out these awesome Air Fryer Fish Recipes. Sooooo many options.

I love that tilapia is versatile, allowing you to experiment with various seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. You can pair it with a wide range of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Yeap, this air fryer tilapia recipe is one the whole family will love! 

P.S. do want even more better than takeout air fryer recipes? This Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe is a must try!

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s a Healthier Option – Cook tilapia reduces the amount of oil used compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthy meal without compromising on taste and texture. This version is low carb depending on what you serve it with.
• Full of nutrients – Tilapia is also a lean source of protein that is rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. 
• It’s Quick and Easy – Cooking tilapia in the air fryer is incredibly fast and hassle-free. It takes just a few minutes to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside.
• It’s Affordable – Tilapia is widely available and relatively affordable compared to some other seafood options. Making Air Fryer Tilapia at home is a cost-effective way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal and add more fish to your diet. 
• And if you love this then try my big list of Air Fryer Fish recipes. I have got you covered.

Ingredient Notes

• Tilapia – Tilapia is a mild, white fish that is readily available in most fish markets or the freezer section of your local store. If you can’t find fresh tilapia fillets, substitute it with other white fish fillets like cod, haddock, or sole.
• Olive Oil – Use any light, neutral flavored oil. 
• Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess to the dish, complementing the flavors of the fish. You can use lime juice as a substitute if you don’t have lemons. You can use bottled lemon juice, but the flavor isn’t as bright.
• Salt – Salt enhances the overall taste of the dish. You can reduce the salt or substitute it with a seasoning blend like garlic salt or lemon pepper.
• Ground Coriander – Ground coriander adds a subtle earthy and citrusy flavor to the tilapia. If you don’t have coriander, you can substitute it with ground cumin or a seafood seasoning blend which often contains coriander.
• Garlic Powder – Garlic powder provides a savory kick and enhances the taste of the fish. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can substitute it with minced garlic cloves.
• Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a bright and herbaceous element to the dish. If you don’t have parsley, you can substitute it with fresh cilantro or dill.

So, ready to learn how to make tilapia in air fryer? Then gather up your ingredients, and I will show you…

How To Make Air Fryer Tilapia

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F / 190 degrees C. 
2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Combine salt, garlic, and coriander in a small bowl.
3. Brush both sides of the fish with olive oil and drizzle with lemon juice, then sprinkle one side of each fillet with the seasoning blend. 
4. Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-7 minutes.
5. Check for doneness and, if needed, increase the cooking time in one-minute increments until the fish is cooked through.
6. Note: Always check for doneness with a thermometer. Fish should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F / 63 degrees C, or until the fish flake easily.

Air Fryer Tilapia Tips

• Preheat the air fryer for best results for cooking. 
• Dry the tilapia filets by patting them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the dry seasonings stick on well.
• If using frozen fillets, thaw completely before cooking if you want to follow this recipe here. 
• Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. 
• Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Halfway through air frying time, flip the fillets using tongs or a spatula. This ensures that both sides get evenly crispy and golden brown and cook evenly.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. 
• Use a fork to check if the fish easily flakes apart. If it’s still a bit translucent in the center, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
• Tilapia is a delicate fish, and overcooking can result in dryness.
• Garnish before serving with parsley and lemon wedges and even lemon zest. 
• Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model. I recommend starting with less cooking time, checking food for doneness, then adding more time as needed.
• To check out all these Air Fryer Tips to get the best results for cooking.

Delicious Variations

• Add Panko – Dip the fish in beaten egg, then coat it with panko bread crumbs.
• Swap The Seasoning – Use your favorite seasoning blend or seasoning mixture. Options that work well are lemon pepper seasoning, Creole seasoning, Cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, Tuscan Seasoning or Mediterranean seasoning, and even simple onion powder and more. 
• Marinate the Fish – Marinate the fish before cooking. 
• Top with A Sauce – Top with lemon butter, bearnaise sauce, beurre blanc, or your favorite sauce before serving. I love serving it with this easy 5-Minute Remoulade Sauce.
• Garnishes – use your favorite garnishes like parmesan cheese, black pepper, lemon zest to complete this delicious recipe.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Thaw frozen fish filets overnight in the fridge. 
• Store – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
• Freeze – Fish can be frozen for several months and thawed overnight in the fridge. 
• Reheat – Reheat in the air fryer for several minutes until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking. 

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

Looking for more healthy fish recipes

• Crispy Air Fryer Fish.
• Air Fryer Fish and Chips. Great weeknight meal.
• Air Fryer Fish Sticks.
• Frozen Fish in Air Fryer.
• Reheat Fried Fish in Air Fryer.

Want even more? Then be sure to check out my complete list of 23 Air Fryer Fish Recipes!

Serving Suggestions

This is a great recipe that gives you delicious flaky white fish that is cooked perfectly. It can be served as is or with a green salad for a complete meal. However, you can also serve it with some of the ideas below.

• Air Fryer Asparagus.
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes.
• Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli or this Roasted Frozen Broccoli.
• Air Fryer Green Beans.
• Bang Bang Sauce.
• Best ever Canned Green Beans.
• Goes well with this Green Bean Casserole Recipe.
• Leftover tilapia can be made into fish tacos, salads, served on pasta, or more delicious dinner recipes.

Weight Watchers Points

There is just 1 Blue Plan SmartPoint in one serving of this.

Make this a zero-point dish by replacing the oil with a no-calorie cooking spray.

Recommended Tools

• You need an awesome Air Fryer.
• An instant read thermometer to quickly make sure your fish is cooked through.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Air Fryer Tools on Amazon.

Thank you for reading my Air Fryer Tilapia recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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