Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Tilapia is a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy a light seafood dish with minimal oil. With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky inside, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a nutritious lunch. Using simple spices and an air fryer, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in less than 20 minutes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
tilapia filletsolive oilgarlic powdersmoked paprikalemon peppersaltblack pepperlemon wedges (for serving)fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
directions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of the fillets lightly with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the tilapia.
Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2-4 people.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 8-10 minutesTotal time: 13-15 minutes
Variations
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Use Cajun seasoning instead of the spice mix for a Southern twist.
Top with mango salsa for a tropical flavor contrast.
Serve over rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or microwave gently until warm.Avoid overcooking to prevent the fish from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and crispier results.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, cod, haddock, or flounder are good alternatives with similar cook times.
Why is my fish sticking to the basket?
Make sure to lightly oil both the fish and the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Is tilapia a healthy fish?
Yes, it’s a lean source of protein and low in fat, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
Can I bread the tilapia before air frying?
Absolutely, a light panko or cornmeal coating adds extra crunch.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Tilapia is a fast and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal with minimal fuss. With its crispy outside and flaky inside, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for busy days or simple dinners. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the ease of air frying.
Print
Air Fryer Tilapia
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful way to prepare tilapia using an air fryer. This recipe gives you perfectly seasoned, tender fish fillets with a crispy exterior in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the fillets.
- Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Use fresh or thawed fillets for best results.
- You can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.