Looking to transform that package of frozen tilapia in your freezer into something extraordinary?
Your air fryer might be the secret weapon you haven’t fully utilized.
With just a few minutes of prep and minimal cleanup, you’ll have restaurant-quality fish on the table any night of the week.
From zesty lemon-pepper to tropical coconut crusts, these nine recipes will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.
The best part? They’re all healthier alternatives to traditional frying methods.
Crispy Lemon Pepper Tilapia With Garlic Aioli
This air fryer recipe transforms frozen tilapia fillets into a crispy, flavorful dish with a bright lemon pepper coating and creamy garlic aioli for dipping. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon, sliced for serving
- For the aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: While preheating, prepare the tilapia fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Brush each frozen tilapia fillet with olive oil on both sides, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 6: Cook for 8-10 minutes, then flip the fillets and cook for another 4-6 minutes until the fish is opaque throughout and the coating is golden and crispy.
Step 7: While the fish cooks, prepare the garlic aioli by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 8: The tilapia is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 9: Serve immediately with garlic aioli on the side and lemon slices for squeezing over the fish.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Tilapia With Olive Tapenade
This crispy Mediterranean herb-crusted tilapia is a flavorful dish that brings the essence of coastal Mediterranean cuisine to your table. The golden crust is flavored with aromatic herbs while the olive tapenade adds a briny, savory complement to the delicate fish. Ready in just minutes using your air fryer, this recipe transforms frozen tilapia into a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for spraying
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
For the olive tapenade:
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: While preheating, prepare the herb crust. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Step 3: Pat the frozen tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly spray both sides of the fillets with olive oil.
Step 4: Press each fillet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
Step 5: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap (cook in batches if necessary).
Step 6: Cook for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: While the fish is cooking, prepare the olive tapenade. In a food processor, combine olives, capers, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until finely chopped but not completely smooth. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Step 8: Serve the hot tilapia fillets with a spoonful of olive tapenade and fresh lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Spicy Cajun Tilapia With Honey-Lime Drizzle
Transform frozen tilapia fillets into a restaurant-worthy meal with this spicy Cajun-inspired dish. The bold, zesty flavors of the Cajun seasoning are perfectly balanced by the sweet and tangy honey-lime drizzle. This air fryer recipe delivers perfectly flaky fish with a crispy exterior in just minutes – ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Brush the frozen tilapia fillets with olive oil on both sides, then generously coat with the Cajun spice mixture, pressing gently so the spices adhere.
Step 4: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 5: Cook for 12-15 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: While the fish cooks, prepare the honey-lime drizzle by whisking together the honey, lime juice, and lime zest in a small bowl until well combined.
Step 7: Remove the tilapia from the air fryer, plate immediately, and drizzle with the honey-lime mixture.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Asian-Inspired Sesame Ginger Tilapia With Soy Glaze
This Asian-inspired sesame ginger tilapia brings together aromatic ginger, nutty sesame, and savory soy for a quick weeknight meal that’s ready in minutes. The air fryer creates a perfectly tender fish with a slightly crisp exterior while the homemade glaze adds a beautiful shine and depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Step 3: Place the frozen tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Brush half of the sesame-ginger mixture over the fillets.
Step 4: Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the fillets, brush with remaining sesame-ginger mixture, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: While the fish cooks, prepare the soy glaze. In a small saucepan, combine remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 6: Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry. Add to the simmering sauce and stir until thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 7: When the tilapia is done, transfer to serving plates. Drizzle with the soy glaze, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Step 8: Serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
Coconut-Crusted Tilapia With Mango Salsa
Transform frozen tilapia into a tropical delight with this coconut-crusted recipe. The crispy coconut exterior cooks to golden perfection in the air fryer while the fish remains tender and flaky inside. Topped with a vibrant mango salsa, this dish brings vacation vibes to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the mango salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 2: While the air fryer preheats, prepare your breading station. In one shallow dish, place the flour mixed with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and remaining salt.
Step 3: Pat the frozen tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap (cook in batches if necessary). Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray.
Step 5: Air fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time, until the fish is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: While the fish cooks, prepare the mango salsa. Combine all salsa ingredients in a bowl and gently mix. Let sit for flavors to blend while fish cooks.
Step 7: Serve the coconut-crusted tilapia immediately, topped with fresh mango salsa.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 410mg
Parmesan and Herb Tilapia With Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
This Parmesan and herb-crusted tilapia pairs perfectly with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes for a delightful meal ready in under 30 minutes. The air fryer gives the fish a wonderfully crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
This dish is both elegant enough for company yet simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and black pepper.
Step 3: Brush each frozen tilapia fillet with olive oil on both sides, then coat thoroughly in the herb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap (cook in batches if necessary).
Step 5: In a small bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Step 6: Add the tomatoes to the air fryer basket alongside the fish or in a separate layer.
Step 7: Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the tomatoes are blistered.
Step 8: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving and garnish with lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Calcium: 180mg
Blackened Tilapia Tacos With Avocado Cream
These blackened tilapia tacos bring restaurant-quality Mexican flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Frozen tilapia fillets transform into perfectly spiced, flaky fish in your air fryer, then get nestled in warm tortillas and topped with a cooling avocado cream that balances the bold Cajun spices.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun or blackening seasoning
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Brush the frozen tilapia fillets with olive oil on both sides, then generously coat with Cajun or blackening seasoning.
Step 3: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: While the fish cooks, prepare the avocado cream by combining the avocado flesh, Greek yogurt, half the lime juice, half the lime zest, and salt to taste in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: In a small bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with the remaining lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt to taste.
Step 6: Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in foil and placing in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes after the fish is done, or heat them in a dry skillet.
Step 7: Once the fish is cooked, use a fork to break it into chunks.
Step 8: Assemble the tacos by spreading avocado cream on each tortilla, then topping with blackened tilapia pieces, dressed cabbage, jalapeño slices, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Serving size: 2 tacos
Lemon-Dill Tilapia With Greek Yogurt Sauce
This light and invigorating air fryer tilapia recipe transforms frozen fillets into a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish in minutes. The tangy lemon-dill flavor profile perfectly complements the mild fish, while the creamy Greek yogurt sauce adds a cool, herbaceous finish that elevates this simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Step 3: Brush both sides of the frozen tilapia fillets with the marinade mixture.
Step 4: Place the tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 5: Cook for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: While the fish is cooking, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 7: Once the tilapia is cooked through, carefully remove from the air fryer.
Step 8: Serve immediately with a dollop of the Greek yogurt sauce on top and garnish with additional fresh dill and lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
Mexican-Style Tilapia With Cilantro Lime Rice
This zesty Mexican-style tilapia paired with fragrant cilantro lime rice makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and flavorful. The air fryer gives the tilapia a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy, and the bright flavors of lime and cilantro complement the mild fish perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 lime, half juiced and half cut into wedges
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
Step 3: Brush the frozen tilapia fillets with olive oil on both sides, then generously coat with the spice mixture.
Step 4: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 5: Cook the tilapia for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: While the fish is cooking, prepare the cilantro lime rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 7: In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 8: In a separate pan, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper with a little olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 9: Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the juice of half a lime, chopped cilantro, and the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt to taste.
Step 10: Serve the air-fried tilapia over the cilantro lime rice, garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado. Add a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 2mg
Final Thoughts
You’re now armed with nine deliciously simple ways to transform frozen tilapia into mouthwatering meals using your air fryer.
From zesty lemon-pepper to tropical coconut crusted, these recipes prove that good things come to those who air fry!
So grab that frozen fish, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy restaurant-quality seafood without the fuss.
Your weeknight dinner game will never be the same.
