It’s so easy to cook frozen tilapia in an air fryer, even without thawing it! Simply pull the fish out of the freezer, add some seasonings that you like, and put it in the air fryer to create a delicious main dish.

You’ll love how quickly you can cook a meal from start to finish and then have very little to clean afterward. And it’s the best way to cook frozen tilapia because you don’t have to thaw the fish first. Read more to learn how I do this.

Tilapia is available at almost any grocery store. I find frozen fish fillets in the seafood freezer section. I love air frying almost anything. You don’t even have to preheat your air fryer. The cooking process is smooth, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s a low-carb and keto-friendly way for the entire family to enjoy a tilapia fish dinner.

Fresh or Frozen Tilapia Fillets

If you have fresh tilapia, you can use the same basic recipe. The only difference is that the fish will cook more quickly. Check it after 8 minutes. You can always add more time if you need to.

Ingredients

I’ve cooked tilapia with a variety of ingredients. It’s a mild flavored white fish that can handle a lot of seasoning.

Here are the ingredients for this recipe:

• 2 frozen tilapia fillets
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked paprika)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Dash of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Parsley flakes (optional)
• Lemon slices (optional)

If you want to print this recipe, you’ll find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

You can swap out or add to any of these ingredients. Here are some that we’ve tried and liked:

• Cajun seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Chili powder
• Italian seasoning
• Cayenne pepper
• Panko bread crumbs

Almost any spice mix works for this air fryer tilapia recipe. Try the original version first and adjust it in the future to suit your family’s taste.

How to Cook Frozen Tilapia in an Air Fryer

Cooking this tilapia couldn’t be any easier. Just make sure you don’t overcook it. If you do, it will become dry and rubbery. First, spray the air fryer basket with some type of oil. I used avocado oil. Or cover the bottom with air fryer parchment paper.

Place tilapia in a wide bowl or on a plate.

Drizzle it with olive oil or use an olive oil spray.

Either brush or rub the oil all over the fish so the seasonings will stick to it.

In a small bowl, combine all of the spices. Whisk or stir them. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the tilapia. Coat both sides of the fish.

Now place the seasoned fillets in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer basket. You don’t need a preheated air fryer. Cook the fish at 400 degrees F at 11 minutes, turning the fish over halfway through. Cooking time may vary, depending on the thickness of the fish. 

The fish is done when the internal temperature is 145 degrees F and the fish flakes easily with a fork. I just use a standard meat thermometer. If the fish isn’t done, return it to the air fryer in 1 or 2 minute intervals until it’s ready.

I like to sprinkle parsley flakes over the fish after it’s plated. Also add lemon wedges or lemon slices and offer either this tartar sauce. Or if you prefer more of a tomato-based sauce, try this easy cocktail sauce.

Another sauce we enjoy is this lemon dill cream sauce. This one is especially good for people who love an extremely tart flavor. Or you can add a little honey to it for the sweet and tart combination. For thawed or fresh fish, cut a couple of minutes from the cook time. It obviously doesn’t take the same amount of time to cook as frozen fish.

What to Do with Leftover Fish

I normally cook just enough tilapia for one meal. However, there are times when I want to have it for lunch the next day, either with a salad or in fish tacos.

When you want to store some for the next day, either wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. Sometimes I give it an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice so the flavor will seep into the fish. It should be good for another day or two. I don’t recommend freezing cooked tilapia because the texture of the fish will change.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Ever since I got my air fryer, I’ve discovered some amazing recipes. And I’ve learned that almost anything that you can cook in a conventional oven cooks more quickly in an air fryer.

Here are some of the recipes we’ve enjoyed:

Garlic Lemon Chicken – Cooked in an air fryer, these delicious chicken thighs come out with a crispy crust and juiciness that will have everyone asking for more.

Pork Tenderloin – It’s easy to cook this delicious lean meat to perfection when you use your air fryer.

Country Style Ribs – If you like barbecued ribs as much as we do, you’ll love the ease of cooking them in the air fryer. Plus cleanup is super easy.

Boneless Chicken Breast – Air frying chicken breast is an easy way to cook this popular meat without losing flavor.

Crispy Juicy Pork Chops – For a delicious main dish, cook pork chops in an air fryer using this wonderful recipe from Back to My Southern Roots.

Corn Tortilla Chips – Make a big batch of fresh corn tortilla chips in your air fryer and watch everyone’s face light up!

Caramelized Pineapple Rings – Put some fresh or canned pineapple rings in your air fryer, and you’ll be amazed by how delicious they are. Serve with the meal or dessert … or all by themselves.

Quick and Easy Dinner

Pick up a package of frozen tilapia for those nights when you’re too tired to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Next time you want a quick and easy dinner, simply pull out the fish, add the seasonings, and pop it into your air fryer. Dinner will be ready in a flash!

Please feel free to share!