Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pieces of Costco Tortilla Crusted Tilapia
- A little cooking spray for that extra crisp
- Lime wedges to add a zesty kick
- A sprinkle of fresh cilantro for garnish, if that’s your thing
Substitutes:
- Can’t find Costco’s version? Any tortilla-crusted fish works. For a gluten-free dish, try a gluten-free tortilla chip crust.
Instructions
- Prep the Tilapia: First things first, take the tilapia fillets out of the freezer. No need to thaw; the air fryer works magic on frozen foods. Give your air fryer basket a quick spray with cooking spray. This helps in getting that extra crunch.
- Importance of the Right Fish: Choosing Costco’s Tortilla Crusted Tilapia is a smart move. It’s already seasoned and crusted, saving you time and ensuring flavor in every bite.
- Seasoning (Even Though It’s Already Done For You): Honestly, the tilapia already comes perfectly seasoned with that crispy tortilla crust. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, a squeeze of lime over the cooked fillets adds a nice zesty kick.
- Air Frying Time: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This high heat is perfect for getting that crust super crispy. Place the tilapia fillets in the basket. Make sure they’re not touching; space allows for the air to circulate and crisp up the fish evenly.
- Cooking Temperature and Time: Cook for about 12-14 minutes. No flipping needed. The high heat and circulating air do all the work, cooking the fish through and crisping up the coating.
- Why Temperature and Time Matter: The 400°F temperature ensures the outside gets crispy while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Cooking for 12-14 minutes lets the crust get golden without drying out the fish.
- Arranging for Optimal Cooking: Spacing the fillets is key. It ensures each piece cooks evenly and gets that irresistible crust. Overcrowding leads to soggy spots, and we don’t want that.
- Serving: Once done, let the fillets sit for a minute or two. Then, transfer to plates. I like to add a final squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Don’t skip preheating your air fryer; it’s crucial for achieving that perfect crust.
- If cooking in batches, the second batch may cook quicker due to the air fryer being already hot. Keep an eye on it.
- Enjoy your tilapia with a side of rice, vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (to preheat the air fryer and prepare any additional sides)
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American/Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 300-350 per fillet
- Sugar: Minimal; depends on specific tortilla crust seasoning
- Fat: 10-15g per fillet
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g per fillet
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Protein: 20-25g per fillet
- Cholesterol: 50-60mg per fillet
Keywords: Air Fryer Costco Tortilla Crusted Tilapia