Ninja Air Fryer Tilapia
User Reviews
5
Ninja Air Fryer Tilapia
Description
The Ninja Air Fryer Tilapia recipe combines simple seasonings like lemon pepper, smoked paprika, ground garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to create a crispy and flavorful crust around tender tilapia fillets. Coated with olive oil and mustard, the fillets hold the seasoning well and cook quickly in the air fryer at 392°F. Flipping the fillets halfway through cooking encourages even crisping. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and flake easily when done. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice added just before serving brightens the savory, mildly smoky flavors.
This dish serves as an accessible option for a quick seafood meal pairing nicely with rice, salads, or steamed vegetables. The Parmesan crust provides a satisfying texture contrast to the delicate fish.
Frozen fillets require adjusted cooking times, and pressing the Parmesan coating onto both sides ensures a better crust retention during air frying. Cooking spray on the air fryer basket helps prevent sticking, making cleanup easier.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillet frozen or fresh
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic ground
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tablespoon chives or Italian seasoning, chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- cooking spray to brush the rack or basket, or oil
- lemon (squeeze the lemon juice on the fish, when serving).
Instructions
- Brush or spray the air frying rack or basket with some cooking spray or oil (this makes cleaning up later much easier, as it basically results in less sticking) and preheat the air fryer at 392F/ 200C.
- Next, mix lemon pepper, smoked paprika, ground garlic, salt, Parmesan cheese, chopped chives (or Italian seasoning), and black pepper then proceed to follow the following steps, depending on the state of your fillets.
AIR FRY USING FRESH TILAPIA
- Brush the tilapia fillets on each side with olive oil and mustard.
- Lay each fish fillet on the plate with the seasoned parmesan cheese crumbing and press to coat. Flip then press again, shaking off any excess coating.
- Set the time at 7 minutes for small fillets and 10-12 minutes for larger and thicker ones. Depending on the size of your basket or rack, place two to three of the parmesan-crusted tilapia fillets in the basket, set it in place then close.
- Allow to air fry then use a spatula to flip the fillets midway through cooking (see notes below). Allow the fillets to cook further for the remaining time until done (see notes).
- Serve the air-fried tilapia with a squeeze of lemon, and some mashed cauliflower, low-carb rice or your preferred sides!
HOW TO AIR FRY FROZEN TILAPIA
- Set the air fryer at 392F/ 200C and program it to cook for 5 minutes. Lay the frozen fillets on the basket or rack and air fry so they slightly thaw.
- Next, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. Working quickly, brush the fillets on each side with olive oil and mustard.
- Coat the fish on each side with the prepared seasoning.
- Return the fillets back to the air fryer, cook for 5 minutes then use a spatula to flip. Air fry for a further 5 minutes, then check whether it is cooked (see the notes below on how to check for doneness). Depending on the type and thickness of fish you are using, you may need to cook the tilapia fillets for a further 2-4 minutes.
- Once cooked, transfer to plates and serve.
Notes
- Press the Parmesan cheese mixture firmly onto each side of the fillets for better crust adherence.
- Air fry frozen fillets longer than fresh, checking for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure doneness.
- Spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to reduce sticking and ease cleanup.
- Flipping the fillets midway promotes even cooking and crisping despite the air fryer’s ability to cook without turning.
- Check the fish’s doneness by gently twisting a fork inserted at an angle; flaky and opaque fish indicates it’s cooked through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 334 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 334kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 102mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 866mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 579mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 484IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 323mg | 32% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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