Tilapia is a delicious and healthy fish that has gained popularity recently due to its mild flavor and versatility. Cooking tilapia in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal, and adding flour to the mix can take it to the next level. So, are you wondering how to cook tilapia in air fryer with Flour? Read ahead and find out.

Table of Contents

Can You Cook Tilapia in Air Fryer with Flour?

Yes, most people prefer cooking tilapia with breadcrumbs, but you can cook tilapia in an air fryer with flour. Flour is a versatile ingredient that can add a crispy coating to tilapia fillets when cooking in an air fryer. The flour creates a light, crisp texture that perfectly complements the tender and flavorful tilapia.

Ingredient breakdown

Each ingredient is critical in creating a delicious and flavorful dish when cooking tilapia in an air fryer with flour.

Tilapia: The star of the dish, tilapia is a mild-flavored fish that is easy to cook and versatile. Its tender texture pairs well with the crispy coating created by the flour.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are essential to creating a crispy coating for tilapia. They add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender fish. You can use seasoned breadcrumbs to add extra flavor or plain breadcrumbs to keep it simple.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the key ingredient that creates a light and crispy coating on the tilapia. It also helps to keep the coating in place and prevents it from falling off during cooking. You can use all-purpose flour, which is versatile and readily available.
Paprika: Paprika is a spice that adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the coating. It complements the mild flavor of the tilapia and gives the dish a unique twist.
Garlic Salt: Garlic salt is a flavorful seasoning that adds a savory note. It pairs well with paprika and black pepper to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient that enhances the dish’s overall flavor. It helps to bring out the flavors of the other seasonings and the fish itself.
Black Pepper: Black pepper subtly kicks the dish and helps balance the other seasonings. It gives the dish some heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Egg: The egg binds the flour mixture to the tilapia fillets. It creates a sticky surface that helps the flour and breadcrumbs stick to the fish, producing a crispy and delicious coating.

Tips to Remember

Here are some tips to remember while cooking tilapia in an air fryer with flour:

It’s crucial to pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels before coating them in flour. Excess moisture can make the flour coating soggy, resulting in a less crispy texture.
Dip each tilapia fillet into the beaten egg mixture before coating them in flour. The egg helps the flour and breadcrumb coating stick to the fish, creating a crisp outer layer.
A cooking spray coats the air fryer basket to prevent the fish from sticking and ensure even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each tilapia fillet enough space to cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Let the cooked tilapia rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the coating to set.

How to Store Tilapia with Flour

After you’ve cooked tilapia in an air fryer with flour, you may have leftovers you want to store later. Here’s how to do it:

Allow the tilapia to cool to room temperature before storing it.
Once cooled, transfer the tilapia to an airtight container.
You can store cooked tilapia in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the tilapia to a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.
To reheat, allow the tilapia to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it using an air fryer or oven.