Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your taste buds without breaking a sweat? Look no further than this Air Fryer Frozen Tilapia recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can transform simple frozen fillets into a flavorful dish that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party, this recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Get ready to elevate your dining experience with minimal effort—let's dive into the details!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 frozen tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 frozen tilapia fillets, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure even cooking of the tilapia.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the seasoning mixture. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Take the frozen tilapia fillets out of their packaging. There is no need to thaw them; they can be cooked directly from frozen.
- Brush both sides of the frozen tilapia fillets with the prepared olive oil and seasoning mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the tilapia in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the specific model of your air fryer. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark.
- To check if the tilapia is cooked, use a fork to flake the fish. It should be opaque and easily flake apart. If it’s not done, return it to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once the tilapia is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs. Allow it to rest for a minute before serving.
- Serve the air-fried tilapia with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
Tips
- Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking. This ensures that your tilapia cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispy texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Make sure to coat both sides of the tilapia fillets thoroughly with the olive oil and spice mixture for maximum flavor.
- Avoid Overlapping: Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows for optimal air circulation, resulting in evenly cooked fish.
- Check for Doneness: Fish can cook quickly, so start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark. The tilapia should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork.
- Experiment with Sides: Serve your air-fried tilapia with a variety of sides like steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 50mg
