Air Fryer Frozen Tilapia

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This frozen tilapia air fryer recipe uses basic staples from your pantry – onion powder, a drizzle of olive oil, and a side of fluffy rice – to easily transform frozen tilapia filets into a mouthwatering dinner that your family will adore. 

Learn how to cook frozen tilapia in air fryer, and you’ll have the weeknight dinner solution you’ve been asking for. And here’s why it’s a game-changer.

This recipe combines the convenience of frozen fish with the incredible magic of the air fryer, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but also quick and hassle-free. 

It’s one of my favorite air fryer recipes, along with Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer.

With just a handful of pantry staples like olive oil, salt, pepper, and a hint of onion powder, you can elevate plain frozen fish fillets into a culinary classic.

The air fryer does all the work, ensuring that the fish comes out perfectly cooked every time. It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying – one that gives you big flavor for just a little work!

But the real magic of this recipe lies in its versatility. Just like cooking Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer, as well as Air Fryer Fish Tacos, these air fryer tilapia fillets are truly a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to experiment with different seasonings, herbs, or a squeeze of fresh citrus.

Why Make This Frozen Tilapia Air Fryer Recipe

• Time-saver – When you cook frozen tilapia in the air fryer, there’s no need to plan ahead or wait for fish to thaw. You can go from frozen to fantastic in a matter of minutes.
• Flavor – Air fryer + rich olive oil and mouthwatering spices = air fryer tilapia filet perfection
• Family-friendly – My family loves fish and rarely turns it away. When I air fry frozen tilapia, everyone wants seconds.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner option or simply looking to try something new, this Frozen Tilapia Air Fryer recipe is your ticket to flavorful, fuss-free dining. It’s time to make weeknight dinners exciting again! 

Want another tool to make cooking for the next MONTH as easy as this recipe? Get my full air fryer meal plan here–for free! You can cook up an entire month’s worth of meals using your air fryer!

Ingredient Notes

• Frozen Tilapia Filets: Tilapia is a mild-flavored, white fish with a slightly sweet taste. If you prefer a different fish, you can substitute it, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. Some good alternatives include cod, haddock, or catfish.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps achieve that desirable crispy texture. If you prefer a different type of oil or have dietary restrictions, you can use a lightly flavored oil, or even a non-stick cooking spray for a lighter option.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the tilapia. You can adjust the amount of salt to your taste or even use alternative seasonings like garlic salt or a salt-free seasoning blend.
• Pepper: Pepper adds a mild, warming kick to the fish. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for the best flavor, but you can use pre-ground pepper if that’s what you have on hand.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder provides a subtle onion flavor without the texture (or time-consuming prep) of fresh onions. If you like, you can also use minced fresh onions or other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for variety.

How To Cook Frozen Tilapia in Air Fryer

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

1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C. 
2. Mix salt, pepper, onion powder, and oil together in a small bowl, then spread on frozen fish. 
3. Add to air fryer and air fry for 10-12 minutes or until completely cooked.
4. Fish should be flaky and be fully cooked. Garnish with parsley and serve.
5. I love serving these with Air Fryer Vegetables.

Frozen Tilapia in Air Fryer Pro Tips

• Just like with an oven or stovetop, it’s a good idea to preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and better results with this air fryer tilapia recipe. All machines are different, so consult your instruction manual for specific tips.
• Before seasoning or breading your fish, pat it dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the surface can hinder crisping.
• Season your fish generously. Don’t be afraid to use herbs, spices, or marinades. This adds flavor and enhances the overall appeal of the dish.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket or the fish itself with olive oil spray. This helps prevent sticking and promotes crispiness.
• Arrange the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. 

• For even browning, flip the fish filets or pieces halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides get crispy.
• Keep a close eye as you cook tilapia, especially during the last few minutes. Fish cooks relatively quickly, and it’s easy to overcook it in an air fryer.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice after cooking can add a burst of fresh flavor and balance to your fish. Like Mediterranean? Use fresh lemon juice. Want a fiesta? Try lime!
• Air-fried fish is best when served right away. It retains its crispiness and flavor when enjoyed promptly.
• Don’t be afraid to play with different coatings, seasonings, and sauces to find your favorite air-fried fish variations. The world is your oyster!
• Check out how to clean an air fryer well after cooking to avoid transfer of food smells.

Delicious Variations 

• Lemon Herb: If you like lemon, this variation is for you. Season the tilapia with a mix of lemon zest, fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It imparts a bright, zesty flavor.
• Cajun: For a little kick, use a Creole spice blend with ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. It gives your tilapia a spicy, smoky flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: This is a super easy variation as most of us have a standard taco seasoning lying around. Use a taco seasoning mix with ingredients like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. It turns your tilapia into a fiesta of flavors!

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Since this is a cook-from-frozen recipe, there’s no need to prep the tilapia ahead of time! 
• Store – Let the fish cool all the way before storing. Transfer the cooled, cooked tilapia to an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Make sure the container is clean and free from any lingering odors that can be absorbed by the fish.
• Freeze – After cooling completely, wrap each piece of fish in freezer paper, freezer bags or place them in an airtight container, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Keep in mind that if you stack the fish without wrapping them, it can be difficult to separate them without breaking the fish. Properly frozen cooked tilapia can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat – When you are ready to enjoy your tilapia, simply pop it back in the air fryer using the same cooking time and temperature listed in the recipe. 

Frozen Tilapia in Air Fryer FAQs 

Similar Recipes

Looking for more EASY, delicious, and Frozen Food flavorful recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my full collection of Air Fryer Frozen Foods or start with a few of my most popular recipes:

• Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer.
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast.
• Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer.
• Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks.

Serve with:

• Frozen Asparagus in Air Fryer is an easy and healthy side.
• I love serving this with this easy Scalloped Corn Recipe.
• These homemade Air Fryer Tater Tots are a family favorite.
• These Smashed Brussel Sprouts pair well with tilapia.

Recommended Tools

• An awesome Air Fryer for cooking frozen food with ease.
• This handy Spray Bottle is for lightly spritzing the air fryer with oil.
• The best Salt to help perfectly season your fish.
• For the best tools to make your air fryer cooking even easier and more successful, check out my collection of air fryer essentials on Amazon!

Weight Watchers Points

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

Thank you for reading my Air Fryer Frozen 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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