Air fried tilapia fillets basted in the best sweet and sticky honey and fiery sriracha glaze. With a prep time of under 5 minutes this healthy recipe can be air fried and ready in under 15 minutes! (Prep time 3 mins and cook time is 12 minutes)
This quick tilapia dish has under five ingredients that utilizes common pantry staples. The results are sweet, spicy and sticky filets with a nice crisp from the air fryer.
This honey sriracha tilapia recipe is very healthy since I used no breading in this recipe and it still came out very delicious and flavorful.
What Ingredients You Would Need
- Tilapia: Tilapia is a freshwater fish. It has a mild flavor so that makes it the perfect fish to season or marinade. Tilapia easily takes on the flavors it is immersed in so it makes the perfect protein for this quick and easy air fryer dish.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a liquid condiment made of fermented soybean paste. It adds a lot of salt and umami to the dish that really balances out the sweet honey and spicy sriracha
- Honey: Honey is used to add sweetness to the dish. It helps balance out the spicy sriracha and salty soy sauce. Add as little or as much as you like.
- Sriracha: Sriracha is a type of hot chili sauce that is made from a blend of chili peppers. It brings the heat to this dish and a little extra garlicky flavor.
How To Make Honey Sriracha Tilapia In Air Fryer
Step 1: Make the Glaze
Combine the sriracha, honey and soy sauce to make the glaze for the tilapia. Be sure to incorporate the ingredients completely to make a consistent glaze.
Step 2: Brush the Glaze Onto the Fish
Using a brush makes the glazing process easier. Brush both sides of the tilapia with the glaze. Be sure to pour some off to the side if you plan to add some more glaze later.
Step 3: Prep the Air Fryer
To keep the fish from sticking, spray the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray. I like to use Pam Original for my air fryer. It makes the clean up a lot easier.
Step 4: Transfer the Fish
Gently place the tilapia into the air fryer. The air fryer does not need to be preheated.
Step 5: Set The Right Cooking Time
Set the air fryer to air crisp at 400F for 12 minutes. 12 minutes is the perfect amount of time to give the fish a nice crust.
Step 6: Remove & Serve
Remove from the air fryer using a spatula to keep the fish intact. Place it over a bed of rice or some sautéed vegetables.
Optional Garnishes
Lime Garnish
Lime adds a little tart acidic sweetness to the dish. Squeeze the lime over the top of the finished fish to brighten up the honey sriracha glaze. It is amazing how much it can make it pop.
Green Onions Garnish
Green onions add a fresh but light onion flavor to the dish. The small addition does not overwhelm the dish but deepens the soy and sriracha flavor. The woody earthiness also adds a little texture to the fish.
Cilantro Garnish
Cilantro is a touch of freshness similar to parsley. It adds a little color but also a tangy fresh citrus flavor. A few leaves are all it takes to make the dish bright.
Optional Modification/ Toppings / Substitutes
Alternative Preparations
To add a little more texture to the fish you may want to try dredging the fillets in panko bread crumbs. Panko breadcrumbs add an unbeatable airy crunch to any dish.
Coming in at around 100 calories per quarter cup they make the perfect crumb for adding texture to the fish. Simply stick to the recipe by using the glaze as glue to stick your bread crumbs to your fish.
Toss the fillets in enough breadcrumbs to cover both sides then continue following the cooking temperature instructions as followed.
Optional Fish
This recipe works great with all seafood if you do not have tilapia on hand try it out with shrimp, salmon or other white fish like cod, catfish or snapper. Cooking times may vary.
Doubling Up the Glaze
Additional glaze can easily be made by doubling up the recipe! If you’re making extra glaze to add to the fish after it has cooked, be sure to pour a little in a serving bowl to avoid double-dipping from the brush you used to glaze the fish.
Breading
To add a little more texture to the fish you may want to try dredging the fillets in panko bread crumbs. Panko breadcrumbs add an unbeatable airy crunch to any dish. Coming in at around 100 calories per quarter cup they make the perfect crumb for adding texture to the fish.
Simply stick to the recipe by using the glaze as glue to stick your bread crumbs to your fish. Toss the fillets in enough breadcrumbs to cover both sides then continue following the cooking temperature instructions as followed.
Optional Garnishes
Finish this dish off with a pop of freshness. Finely chopped cilantro, minced green onions or a squeeze of lime can really make this dish stand out! Dress it up with a little green to give it some nice contrast.
Using Defrosted Fish
This recipe uses fish that are still frozen. If you’re using defrosted fish the cooking time will need to be reduced. Cook fish for around 8-10 minutes if it is not frozen.
Add Rice
Serve this dish up with your favorite rice, potatoes or vegetable dish. This dish is super versatile and would work great with a side of broccoli, zucchini and even green beans.
Can You Prepare Honey Sriracha Tilapia Ahead of Time?
If you are making the glaze ahead of time, store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze the glaze in pre-portioned containers to make cooking and measuring even simpler.
The marinade can be left on the fish for up to 4 hours. Leaving the marinade on too long can cause the soy to break down the already flaky fish.
For the best results, brush the fish with glaze when you’re ready to cook it. Build the flavor by basting the fish throughout the cooking process in the air fryer.
As you add layers of the glaze the more it will soak into the flesh of the fish all while still keeping the fish firm and flaky.
Cooking Times By Air Fryer Model
| Model | Cooking time | Temperature |
| Ninja Foodi | 12 minutes | 400°F |
| Philips Airfryer XXL (HD9630) | 15 minutes | 375°F |
| Nuwave Bravo XL Grill | 10 minutes | 400°F |
| Power XL 2&3 Qt Vortex | 15 minutes | 325°F |
| Cuisinart | 10 minutes | 450°F |
| Cosori | 13 minutes | 390°F |
| Breville Smart Oven | 14 minutes | 390 °F |
Important Notes
Using defrosted tilapia may need less cooking time. If your fish is not frozen check your fish around the 8 minute mark to see if it is fully cooked. Fully cooked fish should appear browned with slightly congealed glaze and the fish appearing firm and flaky.
Avoid Cross Contamination: Do not use glaze that has been dipped with the same brush that touched the raw fish prior to cooking to avoid cross contamination. There is no need to make two separate batches of glaze. Double up the recipe and pour some extra to the side in a serving bowl.
To make the fish extra sticky 2 minutes before the fish is done baste the fish again with more glaze to get a nice sticky caramelized coating.
Taste the glaze prior to basting the fish that way you can adjust the recipe to make it sweeter or spicier for your personal preferences.
ALSO READ: Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Salmon
Honey Sriracha Tilapia Recipe
Try this recipe out with both fresh or frozen fillets. Get family dinner on the table in no time when you pair it with your favorite rice and vegetable dish to make the meal complete
Ingredients
- 4 Tilapia Fillets, frozen
- 1/4c Sriracha
- 2Tb Honey
- 1TB Soy Sauce
Instructions
- Combine the sriracha, honey and soy sauce to make the glaze for the tilapia.
- Brush both sides of the tilapia with the glaze.
- Spray the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the tilapia into the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer to air crisp at 400F for 12 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 8Amount Per Serving:Calories: 270Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 729mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 45g
My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms. Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.