Crispy Air-Fried Tilapia with Zesty Garlic Butter

Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further than this sensational Air Fryer Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce! Say goodbye to greasy deep-frying and hello to perfectly crispy, flaky fish cooked right in your air fryer. This recipe transforms humble tilapia fillets into a gourmet-worthy dish that will become a regular on your dinner rotation, satisfying both your taste buds and your healthy eating goals. Get ready to put a delicious, family-approved dinner on the table in under 20 minutes – faster than any takeout!

As someone who appreciates diverse protein sources (my beloved air fryer roast chicken holds a special place, of course!), I’m always on the hunt for delicious fish recipes. While fish isn’t an everyday staple in my household, a truly delectable recipe always gets devoured—who can resist that satisfying crunch? That’s precisely why I was so thrilled to discover this air fryer tilapia recipe. It’s not just a healthy alternative; it’s a revelation, boasting simple ingredients and finger-licking results.

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its sheer speed and simplicity. Tilapia fillets transition from thawed to a beautiful crispy-golden brown within minutes, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. This incredible appliance truly does all the heavy lifting, drastically cutting down cooking time compared to traditional oven methods. While the fish is crisping up, I have ample time to prepare a variety of delicious sides, without any worry of overcooking or undercooking the delicate fillets. Furthermore, if you’re not typically a fan of strong “fishy” flavors, tilapia is an excellent choice due to its incredibly mild taste. This means it readily absorbs the delightful aromas and flavors of whatever seasonings you choose to adorn it with, making it a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.

I absolutely adore combining this air-fried tilapia with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that irresistible, dreamy crust. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple bowl of fluffy rice and a fresh, vibrant salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Even the most discerning seafood lover in my family gives this dish a resounding seal of approval! While I still cherish my crispy air fryer salmon, tilapia fillets offer an unbeatable combination of great taste and affordability, making healthy, delicious seafood more accessible than ever. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a lean protein without breaking the bank, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.

ARE AIR FRYERS GOOD FOR FISH FILLETS?

Absolutely! Air fryers are, without a doubt, a game-changer when it comes to preparing fish fillets. This innovative kitchen appliance offers a multitude of benefits that elevate the cooking experience and the final product:

• Crispy Exterior, Tender Texture: Air fryers masterfully mimic the coveted results of traditional deep-frying, but with a significant advantage: minimal to no oil. This ingenious method uses circulating hot air to achieve a perfectly golden-brown, wonderfully crispy exterior on your fish fillets, while simultaneously ensuring the interior remains incredibly moist, tender, and flaky. Each bite delivers a delightful textural contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Even Cooking Every Time: The hallmark of an air fryer is its ability to distribute heat with remarkable consistency. This ensures that every part of your fish fillet cooks uniformly, eliminating common pitfalls like undercooked spots in the center or overcooked, dry edges. This precision makes air fryers particularly ideal for delicate seafood like tilapia, which can easily be ruined by uneven heat distribution.
• Remarkably Fast Results: In today’s fast-paced world, speed in the kitchen is a priceless commodity. With an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly cooked fish in a mere fraction of the time required by conventional ovens or stovetop methods. This means less waiting and more enjoying your delicious meal.
• Promotes Healthier Cooking: Air fryers rely on the power of superheated air circulation to cook food, dramatically reducing or even eliminating the need for large quantities of oil typically associated with frying. This results in significantly lower fat content in your meals, making for a healthier tilapia recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite fried foods guilt-free.
• Preserves Nutritional Value: Unlike deep frying, where prolonged exposure to high temperatures and excessive oil can strip foods of their vital nutrients, air frying offers a gentler yet effective cooking method. By using less oil and often shorter cooking times, the air fryer helps to preserve more of the essential vitamins, minerals, and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids naturally found in fish, contributing to a more nutritious diet.
• Less Mess and Easier Cleanup: Traditional frying often involves splattering oil, greasy countertops, and a formidable cleanup task. Air fryers, by contrast, require little to no oil, meaning minimal mess. The cooking basket and components are typically non-stick and often dishwasher-safe, transforming cleanup from a chore into a breeze.
• Energy Efficiency: For the environmentally conscious and budget-minded cook, air fryers present another compelling advantage. They are generally more energy-efficient than larger conventional ovens, as they heat up faster and cook food in a smaller, enclosed space. This makes them a more eco-friendly and economical choice for daily meal preparation.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This air fryer tilapia recipe isn’t just another fish dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for modern living. Here’s a deeper look into why this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home:

• Truly Family-Friendly Appeal: Tilapia’s naturally mild and delicate flavor profile, coupled with its irresistibly crispy texture when air-fried, makes it an ideal choice even for the most discerning and picky eaters. This dish is a perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you need to get a wholesome and delicious dinner on the table in record time. Knowing that you’re serving a meal that is both nutritious and incredibly tasty allows you to feel truly good about feeding your loved ones. It’s a win-win for everyone!
• Exceptional Health Benefits: Tilapia stands out as a lean, low-calorie protein powerhouse, making it an excellent dietary choice for anyone striving to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. By utilizing the minimal oil, healthy cooking method of an air fryer, you can significantly reduce your fat intake while effortlessly incorporating more beneficial seafood into your regular diet. Furthermore, this remarkably versatile recipe is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, keto, and paleo-friendly, making it compatible with a wide array of popular dietary preferences and needs.
• Super Quick and Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget about lengthy ingredient lists or complex cooking techniques. This recipe demands only a handful of readily available ingredients and requires minimal hands-on preparation time. In less than 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal made entirely from scratch, using essential ingredients you likely already have stocked in your pantry and fridge. It’s convenience and culinary delight rolled into one!
• Simply Irresistibly Delicious: Prepare yourself for a truly delightful culinary experience. Air fryer tilapia delivers a moist, tender, and beautifully flaky texture, encased within a golden, crispy exterior. This is precisely what seafood dreams are made of! Every single bite is a testament to culinary perfection, leaving you craving more. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned seafood aficionado or you’re just beginning to explore the wonderful world of fish, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy with its exquisite flavor and perfect texture.

CHOOSING THE BEST TILAPIA FILLETS

The success of any great fish recipe begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s how to choose the best tilapia for your air fryer dish:

• Freshness is Key: When buying fresh tilapia, look for fillets that are firm to the touch, with a translucent, moist appearance. Avoid any fish that looks dry, discolored, or has a strong, “fishy” odor; fresh fish should smell mild, like the ocean.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Both fresh and frozen tilapia fillets work wonderfully in the air fryer. If using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed before seasoning and cooking (more on this below). Frozen tilapia is often caught and flash-frozen at its peak freshness, making it a convenient and equally delicious option.
• Thickness Matters: Opt for fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. This prevents thinner sections from drying out while thicker parts are still cooking.
• Source Sustainably: Whenever possible, choose tilapia that has been responsibly sourced. Look for certifications that indicate sustainable aquaculture practices.

INGREDIENTS

Crafting this delectable air fryer tilapia recipe requires a straightforward collection of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. The beauty lies in the simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the fish and the aromatic garlic butter to truly shine:

• 4 tilapia fillets, 4-6 ounces each (ensure they are thawed and patted dry for best results)
• ½ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt works beautifully to enhance flavor)
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper (offers a milder, more subtle pepper note than black pepper, perfect for fish)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (provides a concentrated garlic flavor that adheres well to the fish)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste; adds a touch of classic warmth and mild spice)
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese for topping (this creates a wonderful, savory crust and extra flavor, though optional)

For the Irresistible Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 40 grams of melted unsalted butter (or 2-3 tablespoons, approximately; provides richness and a velvety texture)
• ¼ tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (adds a vibrant, fresh herbal note and beautiful color)
• ¼ tablespoon salt (adjust to taste, complementing the fish seasoning)
• ¼ tablespoon white pepper (for a consistent and delicate peppery undertone)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (the star of the sauce, offering pungent, aromatic flavor)
• 1 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (essential for brightness, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the fish’s flavor)

HOW TO COOK TILAPIA IN AIR FRYER

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly cooked, crispy, and flavorful air fryer tilapia with a luscious garlic butter sauce:

To begin, preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F for a full 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures the air fryer basket is hot enough to immediately sear the fish, leading to a crispier exterior.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, ground white pepper, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Whisk these spices together thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend.

Take your tilapia fillets and gently pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is vital for achieving a truly crispy texture. Once dry, generously massage the prepared spice mixture onto both sides of each fish fillet, ensuring an even coating. Don’t be shy; this is where the primary flavor comes from!

Carefully arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer within the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure there’s adequate space between each fillet to allow for optimal hot air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Air fry for a total of 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (at the 5-minute mark), gently flip the fillets to ensure they cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust on both sides.

While the fish is air frying, take this opportunity to prepare the irresistible garlic butter sauce. In a small, heatproof bowl, combine the melted butter, freshly chopped parsley, salt, ground white pepper, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and emulsified. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!

Once the tilapia fillets are perfectly cooked—opaque throughout and flaking easily with a fork—carefully remove them from the air fryer. Generously drizzle the freshly prepared garlic butter sauce over each fillet, allowing the rich, aromatic sauce to melt into the delicate fish. As a final flourish, evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of savory flavor and an added textural element. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of your air fryer tilapia!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST AIR FRYER TILAPIA RECIPE

Achieving air fryer perfection is easier than you think. Here are my top tips to ensure your tilapia turns out absolutely flawless every time:

• Pat Dry, Pat Dry, Pat Dry: This cannot be emphasized enough! Before applying any seasoning, use paper towels to thoroughly pat dry your tilapia fillets. Removing excess moisture is crucial because it allows the seasonings to adhere better and promotes a truly crispy exterior. If the fish is wet, it will steam rather than crisp up in the air fryer, resulting in a less desirable texture.
• Ensure Consistent Fillet Sizes: For optimal and even cooking, try to arrange fillets of similar size and thickness in the air fryer basket for each batch. This prevents smaller, thinner fillets from overcooking and drying out while larger ones are still reaching their ideal doneness. If you have fillets of varying sizes, consider cooking them in separate batches, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
• Gentle Flipping is Key: To guarantee an even golden-brown crispness on both sides, it’s important to gently flip the tilapia fillets halfway through the air frying process. When doing so, handle the fish with extreme care, as cooked tilapia is quite delicate and can flake apart easily. A wide, thin spatula works best for this task.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If you overcrowd the basket, the air circulation is hampered, leading to uneven cooking and a steamy, rather than crispy, result. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each fillet has plenty of space around it.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer is essential. A hot basket ensures that the fish starts cooking immediately upon contact, helping to achieve that desirable crispy exterior from the get-go.
• Light Oil Spray for Extra Crispness: While the air fryer requires minimal oil, a very light spray of olive oil or avocado oil on the seasoned fillets (and optionally on the air fryer basket) can further enhance the crispness and prevent sticking.
• Check for Doneness: The best way to tell if your tilapia is done is by checking its internal temperature or visual cues. Cooked fish will be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. The FDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

AIR FRYER TILAPIA VARIATIONS

While the basic air fryer tilapia recipe is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to unleash your culinary creativity! The mild flavor of tilapia makes it an incredibly versatile canvas for a wide array of textures and flavor profiles. Here are some exciting ideas to inspire your next tilapia masterpiece:

• Perfectly Breaded Tilapia: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, consider breading your tilapia fillets. My favorite method involves a delightful mix of grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs for an exceptionally crispy and cheesy crust. For the best adherence, first lightly dredge your fresh tilapia fillets in seasoned flour, then dip them into a beaten egg mixture, and finally coat them generously with the Parmesan and breadcrumb blend. Air fry until golden brown and gloriously crispy.
• Achieve a Charred Finish: If you prefer a more pronounced, slightly charred exterior on your tilapia fillets, simply extend the air frying time by an additional 2-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. Be mindful, however, that increasing the cooking time may slightly impact the moisture levels, potentially resulting in fillets that are a touch drier.
• Embrace Bold Flavors: Ignite your taste buds by seasoning your tilapia fillets with a vibrant blend of Cajun seasoning. This popular spice mix typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and various herbs, delivering a fantastic bold, zesty, and slightly spicy kick that transforms the fish.
• Infuse Mediterranean Essence: Transport your palate to the sunny Mediterranean by rubbing your fillets with a fragrant blend of dried herbs. Think basil, thyme, and oregano, complemented by finely minced garlic and the bright zest of a fresh lemon. This combination provides an aromatic and savory profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
• Craft a Tangy Glaze: For a delightful sweet and tangy contrast, create a simple glaze by combining honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush this glaze over your tilapia fillets during the last few minutes of air frying, allowing it to caramelize beautifully. Serve this glazed tilapia with a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty, wholesome, and irresistibly satisfying meal.
• Spicy Chili-Lime Tilapia: For those who love a bit of heat, season your tilapia with chili powder, cumin, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice before air frying. Serve with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
• Lemon Herb Crusted Tilapia: Instead of Parmesan, create a vibrant herb crust with fresh dill, parsley, and lemon zest, mixed with a little olive oil and pressed onto the fillets before air frying.

GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE VARIATIONS

The classic garlic butter sauce is a timeless pairing for air fryer tilapia, but why stop there? Elevate your dish by experimenting with these delightful variations on the sauce:

• Rich Roasted Garlic: For a deeper, mellower, and subtly sweeter garlic flavor, swap out some of the fresh minced garlic for half a head of roasted garlic. The roasting process caramelizes the garlic, giving it a less pungent, more sophisticated taste that pairs wonderfully with the butter and lemon.
• Sweet and Savory Honey-Garlic: Introduce a captivating sweet and savory dimension by combining your garlic butter sauce with a tablespoon or two of honey. This creates a glaze that not only adds a beautiful sweetness but also caramelizes exquisitely on the tilapia fillets during the last moments of cooking, offering a delightful sticky, flavorful crust.
• Aromatic Herb Infusion: Amp up the herbaceous notes by incorporating additional fresh or dried herbs into your garlic butter sauce. Rosemary, thyme, or a blend of Italian herbs can add layers of complex flavor and an intoxicating aroma that complements the delicate fish beautifully. Experiment with small amounts to find your perfect balance.
• Spicy Kick with Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, stir in a pinch of red chili flakes to your garlic butter sauce. This will add a subtle warmth and a gentle kick that enlivens the palate without overpowering the fish.
• Creamy Dijon Garlic Butter: Whisk in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the garlic butter for a tangy, slightly spicy, and creamy twist. Dijon adds depth and a wonderful emulsion to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato & Garlic Butter: Finely chop a few oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and stir them into the sauce. They add a burst of intense, sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful reddish hue.

HOW TO SERVE GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE WITH AIR FRYER TILAPIA?

The luscious garlic butter sauce is designed to enhance your air fryer tilapia, making every bite a delightful burst of flavor. Here are several elegant and practical serving suggestions to perfectly complement this delicious dish:

• Direct Drizzle for Instant Flavor: The simplest and most direct method is to generously spoon the warm garlic butter sauce directly over the air-fried tilapia fillets just before serving. This allows the rich, aromatic flavors to beautifully melt into the delicate, flaky fish, ensuring every mouthful is imbued with its delicious essence.
• Creamy Dipping Experience: For those who enjoy a more interactive meal, serve the air fryer tilapia alongside a small bowl of the creamy garlic butter sauce for dipping. You could even enhance the dipping sauce by whisking in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra layer of creaminess and tang.
• Elegant Herb Garnish: Elevate the visual appeal and add another layer of fresh aroma by garnishing your dish. A sprinkle of fresh, vibrant herbs like finely chopped parsley, fragrant dill, or delicate rosemary leaves over the sauced tilapia will not only enhance the presentation but also provide a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich butter.
• Serve with Lemon Wedges: Always offer fresh lemon wedges on the side. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating brightens the flavors, cuts through the richness of the butter, and truly brings out the best in the tilapia.
• Alongside Complementary Side Dishes: Pair your garlic butter tilapia with simple, flavorful sides. Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, a light garden salad with a vinaigrette, fluffy rice, quinoa, or even roasted baby potatoes are all excellent choices that will complete a wholesome and satisfying meal.

HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER TILAPIA

For the absolute best flavor and texture, I always recommend serving your air fryer tilapia immediately. That crispy exterior and moist interior are at their peak right after cooking! However, if you find yourself with delicious leftovers, here’s how to properly store them to maintain quality:

• Refrigerating Leftover Tilapia: If you have any remaining air-fried tilapia, allow it to cool completely to room temperature (this prevents condensation and sogginess) before storing. Transfer the fillets to a plastic bag or an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tilapia is a delicate fish and can easily absorb strong odors from other foods. To avoid this, it’s a good practice to place it in a separate, well-sealed container, away from strongly scented side dishes.
• Freezing Recommendations: For optimal flavor and texture, it is generally recommended to consume air-fried tilapia fresh and avoid freezing it. The delicate texture of tilapia can become quite compromised during the freezing and thawing process, often resulting in a mushier, less appealing consistency. If you must freeze, ensure the fillets are wrapped very tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Consume within 1-2 months for the best possible (though likely altered) quality.
• Reheating Leftovers: To reheat, place the leftover tilapia back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until just heated through. Avoid over-reheating, as this will dry out the fish. A conventional oven or even a pan on the stovetop can also be used, but the air fryer is best for regaining some crispness.

HOW TO COOK FROZEN TILAPIA

While the recipe above calls for thawed tilapia, sometimes convenience dictates using frozen. To ensure your air fryer tilapia turns out perfectly, even from frozen, proper thawing is paramount. Cooking fillets directly from frozen can lead to an unevenly cooked result: the exterior might become too crispy or even burnt while the interior remains undercooked, wet, or even icy. Therefore, it is highly recommended to thaw your tilapia before cooking.

Here’s the best approach:

1. Thaw Completely: The safest and most effective way to thaw frozen tilapia is in the refrigerator overnight. Simply transfer the frozen fillets from the freezer to a plate or shallow dish in your refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly. This usually takes 8-12 hours depending on thickness. For a quicker thaw, place the sealed fish in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, until thawed.
2. Pat Dry After Thawing: Once thawed, it is crucial to thoroughly pat the fillets dry with paper towels, just as you would with fresh fish. This removes any excess moisture from the thawing process, which is key for achieving a crispy crust in the air fryer.
3. Cook as per Recipe: After thawing and patting dry, proceed with the main recipe instructions for seasoning and air frying at 200°C/400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Reheating Frozen Cooked Tilapia: If you have cooked tilapia that was previously frozen and now needs reheating, place the thawed tilapia in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F/175°C for 5-7 minutes. If the tilapia is not yet heated through, you can increase the cooking time by an additional 2-3 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID FOR PERFECT AIR FRYER TILAPIA

Even with a simple recipe, a few common pitfalls can hinder your path to air fryer tilapia perfection. Steer clear of these mistakes for consistently delicious results:

• Not Patting the Fish Dry: As mentioned, moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Wet fish will steam, not fry, resulting in a rubbery texture instead of a golden crust. Always use paper towels to thoroughly dry your fillets.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: This is arguably the most common mistake. When you pack too many fillets into the basket, hot air can’t circulate effectively around each piece. This leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots. Always cook in a single layer, in batches if necessary, allowing ample space between fillets.
• Forgetting to Preheat: Preheating your air fryer ensures an immediate blast of heat, which helps to sear the exterior of the fish quickly. This is essential for achieving that sought-after crispy texture and preventing the fish from sticking.
• Overcooking the Fish: Tilapia is a delicate, lean fish that cooks quickly. Overcooking will dry it out, making it tough and unappetizing. Always check for doneness at the lower end of the suggested cooking time; fish is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
• Not Flipping Halfway: While air fryers are great at circulating air, flipping the fillets halfway through ensures even browning and crisping on both sides. Don’t skip this step for maximum crust development.
• Under-seasoning: Tilapia has a mild flavor, which means it relies heavily on seasoning to come alive. Don’t be afraid to be generous with your spice blend.

SIDE DISH PAIRINGS FOR AIR FRYER TILAPIA

A perfectly cooked air fryer tilapia deserves equally delightful companions. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas to round out your meal:

• Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: These classic vegetable sides roast beautifully in the oven or even in a second air fryer, offering a simple, healthy, and flavorful complement.
• Steamed Green Beans with Almonds: A light and fresh option, a sprinkle of toasted almonds adds a lovely crunch.
• Lemon Herb Rice or Quinoa: A fluffy bed of rice or quinoa infused with lemon zest and fresh herbs provides a wonderful base for the saucy tilapia.
• Simple Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and a burst of freshness.
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: If you’re looking for something heartier, small roasted potatoes tossed with garlic and Parmesan are a match made in heaven.
• Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy, and tangy element that pairs wonderfully with crispy fish.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice can be a delicious and healthy substitute for traditional rice.

FAQs

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

If you’re enjoying the convenience and delicious results of air frying, you’re in for a treat! Explore more exciting possibilities with these other fantastic air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Sauce
• Air Fryer Sausages
• Air Fryer Roast Beef (Ultimate Guide)
• Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Corn Dogs
• Air Karaage Chicken
• Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Stay connected for more delicious and easy recipes! You can also follow me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to keep up to date with the latest culinary inspirations and cooking tips.

If you’ve tried this fantastic Air Fryer Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback truly helps others discover and enjoy these delicious meals!

📋 RECIPE

Air Fryer Tilapia with Garlic Butter Sauce

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

This delicious air fryer tilapia will be your go-to healthy meal. Perfectly crispy on the outside with a flavourful, moist interior, it’s quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets, 4-6 ounces each
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
• 40 grams of melted unsalted butter (approximately 2-3 tablespoons)
• ¼ tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ tablespoon salt
• ¼ tablespoon white pepper
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. To start, preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F for 5 minutes to ensure optimal crisping.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine salt, ground white pepper, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Whisk to mix thoroughly.
3. Gently pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels. Then, generously massage the spice mixture onto both sides of the fish.
4. Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Air fry for 10 minutes, gently flipping the fillets halfway through (at 5 minutes) to ensure even cooking and browning.
5. While the fish cooks, prepare the garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, fresh parsley, salt, ground white pepper, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
6. Once the fish is perfectly cooked (opaque and flaky), carefully remove it from the air fryer. Generously drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the fillets. Finally, evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious air fryer tilapia!

Notes

• Pat Dry is Crucial: Always use paper towels to pat dry the fillets thoroughly before seasoning. This step is essential for them to absorb the seasoning better and crisp up beautifully instead of steaming in the air fryer.
• Cook Similar Fillet Sizes: For even and consistent cooking, arrange fillets of the same size and thickness to cook in the same batch within the air fryer basket. This prevents smaller pieces from drying out.
• Gentle Flipping: Be sure to gently flip the tilapia fillets halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even air frying and a golden crust on both sides. Remember, cooked fish is delicate, so handle with care using a wide spatula.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket impedes hot air circulation and will result in steamed, not crispy, fish.
• Preheat for Best Results: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure the basket is hot when the fish goes in. This helps create an immediate sear and a crispier exterior.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 302Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 848mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 45g

Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.