Air Fryer Frozen Tilapia

Cooked air fryer frozen fillets on a black plate with lemon wedges.

5 from 8 votes

15-minute Air Fryer Frozen Tilapia is crispy on the outside and flaky and tender inside. This low carb fish dinner is air fried and topped with a garlic butter sauce.

Prep Time2

Cook Time14

Course: Fish and Seafood, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Calories: 271kcal

Author: HWC Magazine

Equipment

air fryer

Ingredients

Air Fryer Tilapia

4 small tilapia fillets or sustainable white mild fish of choice. Can be frozen or fresh with skin removed.
1 whole lemon sliced to air fry the fish on - optional
oil spray just enough to lightly coat the fish and in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
1.5 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning or to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon parsley dried or 1 tablespoon fresh - optional
ground black pepper to taste

Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

¼ cup butter 4 tablespoons - ghee or plant based butter
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons lemon juice or about ½ fresh lemon
1 teaspoon parsley dried or 1 tablespoon fresh

Garnishes

sliced lemons as desired

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400° F (204° C)
Slice fresh lemons for fish to air fry on. (optional)
Spray frozen tilapia fillets with a light oil on each side. Sprinkle Old Bay Seasoning, dried garlic powder, parsley (optional) and black pepper to taste on both sides.
Spray air fryer tray with oil or line with parchment paper (if your air fryer type permits this) to prevent sticking. Place the lemon slices in the air fryer basket and place the seasoned frozen or tilapia on top of the lemons.
FROZEN TILAPIA: Air fry frozen tilapia fillets until the fish is no longer translucent and flakes easily with a fork OR registers 145° F (62°C) with a meat thermometer. Our 3.5 ounce frozen tilapia fillets usually take around 12 to 15 minutes to cook. As every tilapia or fish is a different thickness, it may take less or more time.
If your fish is very thin, you do not need to flip it halfway during the cooking process, as it may fall apart. For larger tilapia fillets, we like to turn them over halfway in the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
While your fish is air frying, make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce. Place the butter in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Add garlic powder, lemon juice and parsley and stir. Set aside.
Drizzle the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce, garnish with lemons and enjoy while hot.

Video

Notes

AIR FRIED FRESH OR THAWED TILAPIA: Needs to be patted dry first before adding the oil spray and spices. Depending on the size of the fillet, it may cook in half of the time of a frozen tilapia fillet. For example, a fresh or thawed 3.5 ounce tilapia fillet air fried at 400° F (204° C) may take around 7 to 8 minutes.

BAKED FROZEN TILAPIA: Preheat oven to 400° F (204° C). Line baking dish with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and spray fish on both side with oil spray. Season both sides with Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, pepper and parsley. Lay lemon slices in pan and top with seasoned fillets. Pour Lemon Garlic Butter sauce over fish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15 to 25 minutes until the fish is no longer translucent and flakes easily with a fork OR reads 145° F on thermometer. The cook time depends on the size and thickness of fish.

STORAGE :

Leftover air fried tilapia can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

You can reheat the fish fillets in a pre-heated 325° F air fryer for about 2 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, you can bake at 275° F for 3 to 4 minutes covered or pan fry until warm and toasty. Avoid the microwave, if possible, as it can make your fish texture rubbery.

Nutrition