Air Fryer Tilapia with Cajun Garlic Butter Recipe
Introduction
This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a tender, flaky fish dinner. Perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices and garlic butter, it comes together in just minutes using your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound tilapia fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the tilapia fillets evenly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning to create the garlic butter sauce.
- Step 3: Spread the Cajun garlic butter sauce evenly over the seasoned fillets.
- Step 4: Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 290°F for 5 minutes. Flip the fish and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and opaque.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray before placing the fish.
- Try swapping Cajun seasoning with Old Bay or your favorite seafood spice blend for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a lemon wedge for a fresh, bright finish.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at a low temperature or in a skillet to maintain the texture without drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the tilapia in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
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Air Fryer Tilapia with Cajun Garlic Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe features tender, flaky fish seasoned with a flavorful Cajun garlic butter sauce. Easy and quick to prepare, it uses the air fryer for a perfectly cooked, healthy meal with a delicious Cajun twist.
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 pound tilapia fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Season the Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning until fully combined.
- Coat the Fish: Spread the Cajun garlic butter sauce evenly over both sides of the seasoned tilapia fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Preheat and Place in Air Fryer: Place the fish fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap for even cooking.
- Cook the Tilapia: Air fry at 290°F (approximately 145°C) for 5 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
- Tilapia cooks quickly; keep an eye on the fish to prevent overcooking and dryness.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Keywords: Tilapia, Air Fryer, Cajun, Garlic Butter, Easy Fish Recipe, Healthy Dinner
