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Air Fryer Tilapia

A delightful and easy to prepare dish that features fresh, flaky tilapia, seasoned to perfection and cooked to a crispy finish in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 whole fresh whole tilapia (about 1 pound) Ensure the fish is pat dry with paper towels for optimal crispiness.
  • 1 medium lime Juiced, this will add a refreshing zing to the fish.
  • ½ tsp kosher salt A must-have seasoning to enhance flavor; for a smaller fish, use only ¼ tsp.
  • ¼ tsp black pepper This will give a subtle kick to your dish.
  • 2 tsp vegetable or avocado oil For a rich, satisfying taste that helps achieve that golden color.
  • 3-4 cloves garlic Smashed, releasing their aromatic essence to infuse the fish from the inside.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by placing the fish on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully cut three deep, diagonal slits on both sides of the tilapia, making sure to reach the bone.
  2. Transfer the fish to a ziplock bag, add the lime juice, and let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
  3. Remove the tilapia from the bag and shake off the excess liquid. Discard the lime juice, then rub the inside and outside of the fish with vegetable or avocado oil.
  4. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  5. Add the smashed garlic cloves inside the cavity of the fish.
  6. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential to achieving the perfect crispy texture.
  7. Place the seasoned tilapia into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
  8. Check for doneness around the 15-minute mark. If the flesh is still translucent, allow an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Notes

Store cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When reheating, use an air fryer or oven for best results. Experiment with other white fish like cod or snapper, using the same marinade and cooking methods.