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air fryer tilapia on a plate with lemon and parsley
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Air Fryer Tilapia (Frozen or Fresh)

Air fryer tilapia is one of the easiest and healthy ways to cook a delicious dinner. Whether you are cooking frozen air fryer tilapia or fresh air fried tilapia, we have got you covered! Fast, healthy and on the table for family dinner in no time.
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 19kcal
Author Aubrey
Cost $4

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 6-8 oz tilapia fillets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon oil (or air fryer safe spray)

Instructions

Air Fryer Frozen Tilapia

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°
  • Spray air fryer basket with oil or coat your tilapia filets directly.
  • Season your tilapia with desired seasonings. See notes for seasoning suggestions.
  • Place fresh or frozen tilapia filet in air fryer or Ninja foodi basket or on air fryer tray.
  • Cook frozen tilapia filets on 400° for approximately 10-13 minutes depending on size and thickness of fish. Flipping halfway through cooking process is recommended but not required.
  • Air fryer tilapia should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145° as recommended by FDA.

Air Fryer Fresh Tilapia

  • For fresh tilapia fillets, you can reduce your cook time by about 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Tilapia Fillets (fresh or frozen): You can buy fresh or frozen tilapia in any supermarket or grocery store. You should also check out Wild Alaskan Company for the freshest fish delivered to your doorstep! They have an amazing wild white fish box that includes pacific halibut, pacific cod, pacific rockfish and wild Alaska pollock!
Note: FDA recommends cooking finfish to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees. Times will depending on the size and thickness of your tilapia fillets. FDA recommends: "When a food thermometer is not available or appropriate, follow these tips to determine when seafood is done: Cook fish until it's opaque (milky white) and flakes with a fork."
Pre-Heating Air Fryer: I recommend pre-heating air fryer. However, if you choose not to pre-heat, add about 3-4 minutes to your cook time. Check to be sure your tilapia fillets are fully cooked. Add additional cook time as needed.
How to Season Air Fryer Tilapia (season after first flip):
  • Salt and pepper
  • Lemon pepper seasoning
  • Blackened seasoning
  • Steak seasoning
  • Mesquite seasoning
  • Paprika and smoked paprika
  • Garlic or onion powder
  • Cayenne or crushed red pepper
Blackened Tilapia Air Fryer (Blackened Seasoning):
For blackened air fryer tilapia, I recommend using fresh fillets. Coat your fish with oil and seasoning with blackened seasoning mix below.
  • 1 tbsp smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cayenne
  • ½ tsp basil
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp oregano
Air Fryer Tilapia Sauces for Dipping:
  1. Bang Bang Sauce: Sweet and spicy, creamy sauce.
  2. Zhoug: An herbaceous and zesty spicy sauce.
  3. Chicken Wing Sauce: A sweet and spicy, buffalo sauce.
  4. Eel Sauce: Salty and sweet with deep umami flavor.
  5. Cilantro Dressing: A bright and herbaceous dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 19kcal | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg