If you’re looking for how to cook perfect tilapia fillets, I think you are in the right place. In this article, I will give you a step-by-step guide how to cook tilapia fillets in 3 different ways
1. How To Cook Tilapia on Stove (Pan-Fried Recipe)
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Tilapia
Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
Seasoning the Flour
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Coating the Tilapia
Dredge each tilapia fillet in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
Pan-Frying the Tilapia
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated tilapia fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
Serving the Pan-Fried Tilapia
Transfer the cooked tilapia fillets to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish. Accompany with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
2. How To Cook Tilapia in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 4 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Tilapia
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each piece.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Applying the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the top side of each tilapia fillet with the garlic butter sauce. Make sure to spread it evenly, covering the entire surface.
Baking the Tilapia
Place the baking sheet with the coated tilapia fillets in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
If desired, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking to achieve a slightly crispy top. Keep a close eye on the fish to avoid burning.
Serving the Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fish rest for a few minutes.
Transfer the tilapia fillets to individual serving plates or a platter. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce from the baking sheet over the fish.
Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired, which adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
3. How To Cook Tilapia in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon of dried dill
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 medium lemon, sliced
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Tilapia
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer requires preheating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
Creating the Lemon Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a paste-like consistency.
Coating the Tilapia
Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with the lemon herb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Use your fingers or a brush to gently press the mixture onto the fish.
Preparing the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Place the coated tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even air circulation.
Place a couple of lemon slices on top of each tilapia fillet for extra flavor and moisture.
Air Frying the Tilapia
Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook the tilapia at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Serve & Enjoy
Carefully remove the air fryer basket from the machine and let the tilapia cool for a few minutes.
Serve the lemon herb air fryer tilapia fillets with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
When cooked properly, tilapia can be a healthy and delicious addition to any diet. By following the guides in this article, I can ensure that your tilapia fillets is cooked to perfection every time.
