Air Fryer Tilapia without Breading

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Air fryer tilapia is the easiest fish dinner!  Featuring just a few ingredients, this tilapia recipe without breading is a healthy dinner idea that can be ready to eat in under 15 minutes. Fresh tilapia, garlic, herbs, oil and salt and pepper is all you need for a flavorful fish recipe the whole family will love.

Can I make tilapia in the air fryer?

Why yes, yes you can! The air fryer is a great way to cook a variety of fish. It adds a ton of great flavor without frying and is so easy. I love the golden crust along the edges!

This tilapia recipe is low carb, gluten-free, Whole30 and paleo compliant. While it is healthy you won’t feel like you are missing out on any flavor, even though this is a fish recipe without breading.  Tilapia is my favorite fish which is why I also have a lemon pepper tilapia dinner on a sheet pan, and broiled tilapia, both of which are also Whole30 and Paleo compliant and naturally gluten-free!

Air Fryer Tilapia Ingredients

To make this tilapia in the air  fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• fresh tilapia filets: You can can also use frozen that has been thawed but I highly recommend fresh if you can. The texture is better on fresh fish. If you can’t thaw them out, add an additional 2-4 minutes or so to the cooking time.
• olive oil: Just a little bit brushed on is all you need to create a flaky fish with crisp edges!
• fresh chives: Fresh chives add so much to this recipe, but a heaping 1/2 teaspoon dried chives can be substituted.
• fresh parsley: Fresh parsley tastes amazing in this recipe, however you can substitute a heaping 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley.
• minced garlic: You can use refrigerated minced garlic to save time or mince your own fresh garlic. Both work well in this recipe!
• sea salt: Regular salt also works but kosher salt or sea salt retains more flavor and nutrients since it is less processed.
• freshly ground pepper: While you can use already ground pepper, pepper that you grind yourself offers a lot more flavor. Pepper can taste flat when it sits.

That is it! With just a few simple ingredients you can have a healthy fish dinner ready in 15 minutes.

How to make tilapia in the air fryer

Air fryer tilapia is a ridiculously easy and healthy recipe that will become your new weeknight favorite! To make it, you’ll start by patting dry your fresh tilapia fillets. You can also use frozen tilapia that has been thawed, but I’ve found that fresh tilapia is by far the best. (I like to buy mine in bulk from the fresh seafood case my local Sam’s Club.)

In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, chopped fresh chives, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic along with salt and pepper (to taste).  Brush over your tilapia with pastry brush.

In a preheated air fryer, spray cooking spray or brush a little olive oil over your air fryer basket before placing your fillets inside. I have a 4 quart Habor Air Fryer. Since the basket is smaller, I only cook one or two fillets at a time. You do not want to overlap your fish when cooking. So if you have smaller tilapia fillets or, a larger air fryer, you can make more at once.

How long to cook tilapia in the air fryer?

Exactly how long to cook your tilapia will depend on several factors like size of fillets, temperature and how many you cook at once.  I am using a 4 quart air fryer and it took approximately 9 minutes for one fillet and 10 minutes for two fillets in a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees F.   I have only tested this recipe with one or two larger fillets at a time. I recommend not over packing your air fryer when cooking this recipe for the best results. You’ll want to make sure you go long enough to get your fish a golden brown color and so that your tilapia flakes easy with a fork and is opaque (no longer translucent).

Do you need to flip over fish in air fryer?

While it is typically a good idea to turn or shake the basket for even browning in an air fryer, it is not necessary for this tilapia recipe. I tried it both ways and they were equally delicious. With larger pieces of tilapia, it is nearly impossible to turn over your fish without breaking it unless you cut your fillets into smaller portions. You’ll still get gorgeous browning, even if you skip that step.

This recipe results in flavorful fish that is flaky and a beautiful golden brown.  My whole family loved it!

How to Season Tilapia for the Air Fryer

There are many quick and easy ways to season your air fryer tilapia besides the fresh garlic and herbs featured in this recipe. Here are a few basic ideas:

• Garlic, Salt and Pepper:  If you just put minced garlic, sea salt and freshly ground pepper on your olive oil brushed tilapia, it will taste delicious! Sometimes the simple things are the best.
• Lemon Pepper: Lemon pepper seasoning is one of my favorites! (Seriously, have you tried these air fryer lemon pepper wings? Sooooo good!)
• Cajun Seasoning Mix: Whether you use a store bought favorite or a homemade cajun seasoning, you can control over spiciness based on how much seasoning you add. You can also use blacked seasoning instead if you prefer, as it tends to be less spicy.
• Garlic Seasoning Mix: I absolutely love this garlic and herb seasoning blend from Kinders and I use it often on my fish, chicken or pork when I am in a hurry.

You can serve with your favorite tartar sauce or make a shrimp cocktail sauce to serve on the side, depending upon your preferences.

4.45 from 27 votes

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Air Fryer Tilapia

Air fryer tilapia is super easy and healthy with just a few ingredients. Get golden brown and flaky fish every time by cooking your tilapia in the air fryer. You won't believe the results!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer, air fryer recipe, brunch recipe, fish, fish dinner, gluten free, healthy dinner recipe, low carb dinner, tilapia, whole30 dinner

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 2

Calories 201 kcal

Author Emilie at FindingZest.com

Ingredients

• 2 fresh tilapia filets approximately 6 oz each
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh chives chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees

2. Pat fresh tilapia fillets dry with paper towel.

3. In small bowl, stir together olive oil, chives, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper.

4. Brush over top of tilapia fillets.

5. Brush a little olive oil over bottom of basket or spray with cooking spray.

6. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent. (At least 145 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended by FDA)

7. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

• Do not overlap tilapia in basket. 
• Turning fish over half way is not necessary and may break apart your fish.
• Add an additional 2 to 4 minutes cooking time if using frozen fish.
• Oven instructions: Broil until fish easily flakes with a fork and the top golden brown and internal temperature is at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Tilapia

Amount per Serving

Calories

201

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

7

g

11

%

Saturated Fat

 

2

g

13

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

3

g

Cholesterol

 

85

mg

28

%

Sodium

 

88

mg

4

%

Potassium

 

524

mg

15

%

Carbohydrates

 

1

g

0

%

Fiber

 

0.1

g

0

%

Sugar

 

0.04

g

0

%

Protein

 

34

g

68

%

Vitamin A

 

52

IU

1

%

Vitamin C

 

1

mg

1

%

Calcium

 

21

mg

2

%

Iron

 

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

How to Store Leftover Tilapia

You can store leftover tilapia in the first for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. I find this air fryer tilapia reheats well so if you like to meal plan, this is a great recipe. Just double or triple the original recipe.

What to Serve with Fish

This tilapia pairs well with a variety of options. I like to pair it with easy side dishes including:

• tomato salad with cucumbers featuring a simple red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. Fresh herbs really add a lot of flavor!
  
• biscuits like these drop biscuits which are so quick and simple to make from scratch using basic ingredients
  
• rice dishes like this mediterranean rice which is a great way to use leftover rice! It has so much color and flavor. 
  
• sauteed asparagus and mushrooms,which is always an irresistible combination!This recipe is simple and only requires a few ingredients.
  
• instant pot green beans makes for a great weeknight meal or lunch option. This recipe uses only butter, garlic, salt and pepper!

I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!