Easy Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Air fryer tilapia is a great way to cook up a whole fish. It’s easy, delicious, and can save you a lot of time in the kitchen. If you have never cooked a whole fish before, this is a great recipe to start with.

The question of the day is How long to cook whole fish in the air fryer? Tilapia is probably the easiest and most popular white fish to air fry. Tilapia is a great option for the air fryer because you can use less oil and still get a great crispy texture. And do you know, it is not human-made, is native to Africa and the Middle East, and is often raised in fish farms around the globe.

Tilapia is so popular because not only does it taste great, but it is also very affordable and easy to find. And whenever something is so affordable and easy to get your hands on, you’ll want to find several recipes you can use. That’s why I’ve created this whole fish recipe using a whole tilapia fish. This recipe can easily be adapted to use other types of spices. As the recipe is for 2 whole fish, you can customize it for 1-2 people.

Benefits of Cooking with an Air Fryer

Air fryers have gained immense popularity in recent years and for good reason. These countertop appliances offer a wide range of benefits that make them a must-have in any kitchen. First and foremost, air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional deep frying methods, making them healthier for cooking fish and other dishes. This means you can enjoy the crispy texture and delicious flavor without the guilt or excess calories.

Additionally, air fryers are incredibly versatile. They can be used to cook a variety of foods, from fries and chicken wings to vegetables and, of course, whole fish. This versatility makes them a great investment for those who love experimenting with different recipes and flavors.

Another advantage of cooking with an air fryer is the speed at which it cooks. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly. This means you can have a perfectly cooked whole fish on your plate in a fraction of the time it would take using other cooking methods. Whether you’re in a hurry or simply want to spend less time in the kitchen, an air fryer will help you achieve your culinary goals efficiently.

Why Cook Whole Fish in an Air Fryer?

Cooking whole fish in an air fryer offers several advantages over other cooking methods. One of the main benefits is the ability to achieve a crispy and golden exterior while keeping the flesh moist and tender on the inside. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the fish cooks evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked whole fish every time.

Additionally, cooking whole fish in an air fryer allows you to infuse the fish with various flavors and seasonings. The fryer’s hot air helps intensify the flavors, giving you a more flavorful and delicious end result. Whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a complex blend of herbs and spices, the air fryer will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Another advantage of cooking whole fish in an air fryer is the convenience it offers. Unlike traditional methods such as grilling or baking, the air fryer requires minimal preparation and monitoring. Simply season the fish, place it in the fryer, set the time and temperature, and let the air fryer do its magic. This hands-off approach lets you focus on other tasks while your fish cooks perfectly.

Choosing the Right Fish for Air Frying

When it comes to cooking whole fish in an air fryer, choosing the right fish is crucial. Opting for fresh and high-quality fish will ensure that you achieve the best possible results. Look for fish that has clear and bright eyes, shiny skin, and a fresh smell. Avoid fish with dull eyes, discolored skin, or a strong fishy odor, as these are signs of poor quality.

In terms of the type of fish, certain varieties work better for air frying than others. Fish with firm and meaty flesh tend to hold up well in the air fryer and retain their shape during cooking. Some popular choices for air frying include snapper, sea bass, trout, and tilapia. These fish have a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and can be easily found in most grocery stores.

It’s also important to consider the size of the fish. Smaller fish, around 1 to 2 pounds, are ideal for air frying as they cook more evenly and quickly. Larger fish may require longer cooking times, which can result in overcooked or undercooked sections. If you prefer to cook a larger fish, consider cutting it into fillets or steaks to ensure even cooking.

The ingredients in the Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

• Fresh Whole Tilapia Fish
• NouBess Fish Seasoning
• NouBess Cajun Seasoning or NouBess Adobo Seasoning
• Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper: optional
• Parchment Paper

Preparing the Fish for Air Frying

Before cooking the fish, it’s essential to prepare it properly to ensure the best outcome. Start by cleaning the fish thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any scales using a fish scaler or the back of a knife, working from the tail towards the head. Next, make a few shallow diagonal cuts on each side of the fish. This will help the fish cook more evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate the flesh.

Once the fish is cleaned and scored, pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the fish will help achieve a crispy exterior. Season the fish generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning blend both inside and outside the cavity. You can also stuff the cavity with aromatics such as lemon slices, fresh herbs, or garlic cloves to enhance the flavor.

How to make the Air Fryer Tilapia recipe

You will love this recipe for air fryer whole fish. This technique and recipe can be used to prepare any kind of whole fish.

1. Clean the fish well after it is scaled and gutted by your fishmonger. There are always a few scales left.
2. Place the fish on a cutting board, and with kitchen shears/scissors, cut out the dorsal and pectoral fins and discard.
3. You may rub lemon or lime onto the fish, rinse with water, or rinse the fish in a lemon water bath.
4. Blot-dry the fish with a paper towel. Use a sharp knife to score both sides of the fish. (make 3-4 diagonal scores) Set aside.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.
6. Make the seasoning blend by mixing the dry seasonings with lemon juice and oil. Mix well.
7. With your hands (wear food disposal gloves if you can), apply the seasoning blend all over the fish, inside and out, and inside the scores.
8. Place the parchment paper or a liner in the basket when preheating the air fryer. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.
9. Carefully place the fish in the basket and get ready to roast it.
10. Air fry the fish for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Halfway through the cooking time, turn the fish over using a spatula.
12. Continue to air fry the fish for another 10-15 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your fish.
13. Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Notes and Tips for cooking a whole fish

Cooking whole fish in an air fryer requires a few key techniques to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfectly cooked fish every time:

• Preheat the air fryer: To ensure even cooking, preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the fish. This will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist.
• Use the right temperature: The optimal cooking temperature for whole fish in an air fryer is around 375°F (190°C). This allows the fish to cook through without drying out or becoming overly greasy.
• Flip the fish: To ensure even browning and crisping, flip the fish halfway through the cooking process. This will help achieve a golden and crunchy exterior on both sides.
• Check for doneness: Whole fish is cooked when the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Rest before serving: Allow the cooked fish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender fish.
• Use seasoning blends to make it easy when preparing an air fryer fish recipe. Always do a taste test before applying the seasoning.
• You can use olive oil, avocado, or vegetable oil.
• Use parchment paper to reduce smoking from the air fryer if that happens to your kitchen appliance. The parchment paper also makes it easier to lift and flip the fish.
• Don’t forget to spray the parchment paper to avoid the fish getting stuck.
• If you are trying to eat healthy, this is an excellent method to cook fish. Remember to choose seasoning blends without salt or will little salt.
• Add a salad or sauteed broccoli with boiled plantains for a healthy meal.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to consistently achieve perfectly cooked whole fish that will impress even the most discerning seafood lovers.

Sources:

• https://thehealthyfish.com/frequently-asked-questions-tilapia/