How long does it take to cook tilapia in an air fryer?

Alright, timing’s everything! For fresh tilapia, set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip it halfway to keep that crispy tilapia air fryer recipe magic even. Frozen? Add 2-3 minutes, so 12-15 total. Check for flakiness or hit 145°F inside with a thermometer. Quick, right? You’ll be chowing down before you know it!

Can you cook frozen tilapia in an air fryer?

Oh, absolutely! No thawing? No problem. Pop that frozen fillet in at 400°F for 12-15 minutes—flip it at 6 or 7 minutes. It’ll still get that air fryer fish crispness, though a tad less juicy than fresh. Brush on some oil and spices first, and you’re golden. Dinner’s still fast and fuss-free—perfect for those “oops, forgot to prep” nights!

Is air fryer tilapia healthy?

You bet it is! Tilapia’s already lean—96 calories and 20 grams of protein per 100g. Air frying skips the oil bath, slashing fat even more. Compare that to deep-fried fish, and it’s a no-brainer. Plus, you keep nutrients intact without greasy guilt. It’s a healthy fish recipe win—just don’t drown it in butter after, alright?

What’s the best temperature for air fryer tilapia?

Here’s the sweet spot: 400°F. Why? It crisps the outside fast while keeping the inside flaky and moist—perfect for air fryer seafood. Lower temps like 350°F take longer and risk sogginess; higher ones might dry it out. Stick to 400°F for 10-12 minutes, and you’re in business. Consistency’s key, so preheat every time!

How do you keep tilapia from sticking?

Nobody wants a fishy mess! Line your basket with parchment paper—cut to fit—or spritz it lightly with oil. That tilapia cooking tip keeps your fillet sliding out easy, no scraping required. Patting it dry before seasoning helps too; wet fish loves to cling. Either way, cleanup’s a breeze, and your quick tilapia meal stays intact. Win-win!

Tilapia Air Fryer Recipe: Cook Flaky Fish in 10 Minutes

Name: Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Tilapia
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
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.

Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Tilapia

Tilapia Air Fryer Recipe 5 Crispy, Healthy Seasoning Ideas

Print Recipe

Need a fast, healthy, and tasty fish dinner? Try this simple Air Fryer Tilapia recipe! Ready in minutes, it delivers crispy, flaky, and flavorful fish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Author: Claire Ellis
Prep Time: 5minutes
Cook Time: 10minutes
Total Time: 15minutes
Yield: 2 1x
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Begin by heating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and crispiness.

2. Prepare the Tilapia:

Pat the fillets thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is key for achieving a golden, crispy crust.

3. Season Generously:

Lightly brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil. Season with a mix of paprika, Old Bay, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a spicy twist, add Cajun seasoning.

4. Air Fry to Perfection:

Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the exterior is golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

5. Whip Up the Sauce:

While the fish cooks, melt 4 ounces of butter and stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Drizzle this aromatic sauce over the hot, crispy tilapia just before serving.

Why It Works:

Drying the fish ensures maximum crispiness, while the zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce adds richness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the tilapia. Perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy dinner upgrade!

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even browning.

Substitute Cajun seasoning with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.

Serve with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1serving
Calories: 242kcal
Sodium: 736mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: tilapia air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://lunchlime.com/easy-tilapia-air-fryer-recipe/