Ninja Air Fryer Tilapia
Crispy on the outside, moist inside, delicious parmesan-crusted air fryer tilapia recipe that you can make using fresh or frozen fillets, with no thawing. At 2 grams net carbs per serving, this recipe is keto and low-carb, with a paleo option.
Servings 4
Calories 334kcal
Equipment
- An Air Fryer - I used a Ninja Foodi 8 Quart Pressure Cook, Air Fry and Crisp but any type of pressure cooker will do.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets - (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- some cooking spray or oil (to brush the rack or basket)
- 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.2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon yellow mustard, some cooking spray or oil
- 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.1 teaspoon lemon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, ½ teaspoon black pepper
AIR FRY USING FRESH TILAPIA
- Brush the tilapia fillets on each side with olive oil and mustard.4 tilapia fillets - (frozen or fresh)
- 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!lemon
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.
Video
Notes
Note: The Air frying time has been calculated only for the frozen fillets.
- Because of the way the air fryer cooks food, you do not need to turn them halfway but I find they cook more evenly when turned.
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Check for doneness by inserting an internal read thermometer inside the thickest part of the fish. It should read at least 145°F (63°C). In addition to the internal temperature, you can also check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish at an angle and gently twisting. It should be flaky and should have lost its translucent appearance.
Nutrition
Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 866mg | Potassium: 579mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 484IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 323mg | Iron: 2mg