Air Fryer Whole Tilapia
Crispy skinned air fryer whole tilapia, scored, marinated and cooked in 22-25 minutes.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 medium tilapia whole, scaled and cleaned
- 3 tbsp cooking oil of choice
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 3 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 1 tsp crushed chilli flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 6 cloves garlic crushed
Instructions
- Rinse and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, this helps achieve a crispy finish.
- Score the fish by making deep cuts on both sides to allow the seasoning to penetrate deeply.
- In a small bowl, mix the oil, smoked paprika, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, crushed chilli flakes, black pepper, and salt.
- Brush the marinade generously over the fish ensuring the marinade penetrates the deep cuts and coating the inside cavity as well. Stuff with onions and the garlic and sprinkle some on top as well. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the seasoned tilapia inside and air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 22-25 minutes for a 1 lb fish (28-32 minutes for a 1.5 lb fish), flipping halfway, until the thickest part near the spine reaches 145°F(63°C). The fish is done when the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
From frozen: For the best texture, thaw the fish in refrigerator overnight and pat it completely dry. If you must cook from frozen, rinse off any ice, pat dry, and add about 8 to 10 minutes, checking that the thickest part near the spine reaches 145°F (63°C).
Oil: Brush about 1 tbsp of oil on each fish; it crisps the skin and stops sticking. Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Oil: Brush about 1 tbsp of oil on each fish; it crisps the skin and stops sticking. Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 354kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 37gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 1700mgPotassium: 736mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1170IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg
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