This air fryer teriyaki tilapia is one of those dinners I make when I want something that tastes like I tried… even if I didn't. It's quick, light and full of flavor. The tilapia stays tender and flaky, and the teriyaki sauce turns glossy and slightly sticky around the edges in the best way.
I usually throw this together on busy weeknights with rice in the cooker and whatever vegetables I have in the fridge. It also works great in rice bowls or even tucked into wraps the next day.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Minimal cleanup. That's my kind of meal.
You will also love: air fryer Mahi Mahi, breaded tilapia, air fryer salmon or air fryer tilapia,
Ingredient Breakdown
Tilapia Fillets: Tilapia is mild and cooks fast, which makes it perfect for the air fryer. It is also very reasonably priced. I make sure it is sourced from good sources. You can use fresh or fully thawed frozen fillets. Just make sure to pat them dry so the sauce sticks properly.
Teriyaki Sauce: This is where most of the flavor comes from. Sweet, savory, slightly salty. I have used store-bought sauce here.
Olive Oil: Just a little helps keep the fish moist and prevents sticking.
Seasonings: Of late, I have been using Furikake seasoning on everything so I have used it here as well. It is totally optional. Also some minced garlic and ground pepper to pep things up.
Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds and green onions can be also used here.
Instructions
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This small step makes a difference.In a small bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, olive oil, minced garlic or garlic powder and black pepper.
Brush about half of the sauce over the fillets. Save the rest for later.
Preheat the air fryer to 390F or 200C for about 3 minutes. Place the fillets in the basket in a single layer. Don't stack them.
Air fry for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout. For checking, lightly test with a fork to see if the thickest part starts to flake easily.
During the last 1 to 2 minutes, brush the remaining sauce after adding cornstarch to form a slurry over the top so it warms and lightly caramelizes forming a light glaze.
Carefully remove the tilapia fillets as they could easily break and fall apart. Sprinkle with furikake seasoning or sesame seeds and green onions (if using). Serve right away.
You will love this delicious Teriyaki Tilapia done in air fryer.
Expert Tips
1. Start checking early. Tilapia cooks quickly, and even one or two extra minutes can dry it out.
2. The teriyaki sauce I used is thin and is very low on sugar. If you are using a glaze sauce that is thick then skip the cornstarch from the recipe.
3. Let the fish rest for a minute or two before serving. It helps the juices settle.
4. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at a lower temperature so it doesn't dry out.
Frozen Tilapia fillets work well. Just thaw them well before air frying. Other fish in place of Tilapia will also work well.
Here's the recipe card:
Air fryer Teriyaki Tilapia
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. Furikake seasoning optional
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Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This small step makes a difference.In a small bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, olive oil, minced garlic and black pepper.
- Brush about half of the sauce over the fillets. Save the rest for later.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F or 200C for about 3 minutes. Place the fillets in the basket in a single layer. Don't stack them.
- Air fry for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout.
- During the last 1 to 2 minutes, brush the remaining sauce after adding cornstarch to form a slurry over the top so it warms and lightly caramelizes forming a light glaze.
- Carefully remove the tilapia fillets as they could easily break and fall apart. Sprinkle with furikake seasoning or sesame seeds and green onions (if using). Serve right away.
- You will love this delicious Teriyaki Tilapia done in air fryer.
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