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Using an air fryer and Cajun spices is the best way to cook up this tender fish! This air fryer cajun garlic butter tilapia is so easy and delicious, it’s sure to become a new favorite lunch!
If you haven’t already, you’ve got to try cooking up fish fillets in your air fryer. It keeps them soft and tender on the inside with the perfect golden crust! Air fryer parmesan cod, brown sugar salmon, and crab cakes are all knockout seafood recipes you need to make right now!
Reasons You’ll LOVE This Recipe
- Easy: It only takes 10 minutes to make from start to finish to cook this tilapia recipe in the air fryer
- Flakey and Flavorful: Garlic butter and Cajun seasonings turn an ordinary tilapia fillet into an absolute dream! It’s so golden, flavorful, and flaky! I assure you, you’ll love every bite!
Ingredients in Air Fryer Tilapia
It only takes a handful of simple ingredients to make this amazing air fryer tilapia! Combined, they create something that rivals even the best seafood restaurants! You’re going to love how it turns out. Measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Tilapia Fillets: With a mild fish flavor and tender texture, this is the star of the show! If possible, use fresh tilapia. Frozen tilapia can alter its amazing natural texture.
- Salt and Pepper: This is the foundation of your tilapia’s seasoning. Add to taste!
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- Butter: Honestly, nothing makes a marinade great like some rich and creamy butter!
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to keep your fish nice and flaky while creating a crispy outer layer. It adds a great flavor and helps the seasonings stick, too!
- Minced Garlic: You can’t go wrong with garlic! Add in a few cloves worth for that perfect savory flavor.
- Cajun Seasoning: To be honest, you probably have all of the spices in your cabinet, so try making this at home! This way, you can customize your own blend to your liking, whether you like it more spicy, savory, or somewhere in the middle. Find my full recipe for Cajun seasoning here.
How to Air Fry Tilapia
Making your air fryer tilapia is a piece of cake. Skip the frozen meal and make this instead! You’ll love how fresh and delicious it is.
- Season: First, salt and pepper the tilapia fillets.
- Whisk Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic and cajun seasoning. Then, spread evenly over the fish.
- Air Fry: Place the fish in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 290 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Next, flip the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes more or until flaky and opaque. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
These are a few things to keep in mind when cooking your air fryer Cajun garlic butter tilapia. They are super easy fixes but can take your fish from good to great!
- Is It Fresh? Your raw tilapia should have a very mild fish smell. If it has a strong, ammonia-like odor, it likely has spoiled and should not be used. A dull color and slimy layer over the fish are also indications it’s no longer fresh.
- Can you us frozen tilapia? Yes! If using frozen tilapia, be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before use. If you cook your tilapia straight from the freezer, it may cook unevenly.
- Cook a Single Layer: It’s important not to overcrowd your air fryer when cooking your tilapia. Only cook a single layer at a time so the air is able to circulate and cook your fish all the way through.
- Making Sure It’s Done: You’ll know your fish is cooked through when it’s completely opaque. Cooking times may vary slightly if you’re using thicker tilapia fillets. Additionally, you can use a thermometer to check and see if your fish has an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Tilapia
Because I want the amazing flavors of this tilapia to shine through, I like to serve sides that aren’t too overpowering and will complement it nicely. Vegetable dishes are always my go-to! Here are a few quick and easy side dishes to help you complete your meal. I know you’ll love these combinations as much as I do!
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Tilapia
Although best served fresh, here’s how to store your tilapia to keep it tasting as delicious as possible!
- In the Refrigerator: In an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, your fish will stay good for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The quickest way to reheat your Cajun garlic butter tilapia is in the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 350 degrees. You can also reheat it over medium heat on the stove with a little melted butter in the pan.
More Amazing Seafood Dishes
Making dishes worthy of your favorite seafood restaurants at home is easier than you’d think! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite recipes for you to try. Not only are they packed with mouthwatering flavor, but they’re easy to make as well! Serve these at your next dinner party and your guests will be blown away!
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Air Fryer Tilapia
Ingredients
- 1 pound tilapia fillets
- salt and pepper
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
Instructions
- Salt and Pepper the tilapia fillets.
To make the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic and cajun seasoning. Spread evenly over the fish.
- Place the fish in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 290 degrees for 5 minutes. Flip the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes more or until flaky and opaque.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I followed the recipe exactly and it was done (internal temp of 145 F), but not browned. I think next time I will increase the heat from 290 to 350. Great flavor. thanks!
I’ve made this so may times! My husband loves it! It comes out perfect every time. Thanks for the great recipe!
The Cajun garlic butter tilapia is wonderful 🤗💞
could you fry crappie fillets the same way?
I’ve never tried that! Let me know if you use this recipe for it and how it goes!