Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe delivers a quick and flavorful seafood dinner that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside. With simple spices and minimal prep, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal that cooks in just minutes.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. tilapia fillets (about 3 fillets)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• lemon wedges, for serving
• minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the seasoning mix.
3. Step 3: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with the seasoning mixture.
4. Step 4: Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
5. Step 5: Cook the tilapia for 5 to 6 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145ºF (63ºC).
6. Step 6: Carefully transfer the fillets to serving plates using a fish spatula or similar tool. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with minced parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, spray the fillets lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
• Swap dried thyme with dried oregano or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• If fillets are very thin, reduce cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

Storage

Store leftover cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3 to 4 minutes or until warmed through to retain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia in this air fryer recipe?

You can use frozen tilapia, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. Pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture before seasoning.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

This recipe can be adapted for oven baking. Preheat your oven to 400ºF and bake the seasoned fillets on a lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 117 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe offers a quick and healthy way to enjoy tender, flavorful fish with a perfectly crispy exterior. Seasoned with a blend of garlic, paprika, thyme, and spices, the tilapia cooks in just minutes in the air fryer for a delicious, low-fat meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

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Tilapia and Seasoning

• 16 oz. tilapia fillets (about 3 fillets)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

To Serve

• Lemon wedges
• Minced fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF for 4 to 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking the fish evenly.
2. Make Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning mix for the tilapia.
3. Prep Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with the prepared seasoning mixture. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of fillets.
4. Air Fry: Cook the tilapia fillets in the air fryer at 400ºF for 5 to 6 minutes. Check for doneness by seeing if the fish flakes easily with a fork and confirm the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).
5. Serve: Carefully transfer the cooked tilapia to serving plates using a fish spatula or similar tool. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can cook multiple batches if your air fryer basket cannot fit all fillets in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Make sure to pat the tilapia dry before seasoning to get a crispier outside texture.
• If you don’t have dried thyme, you can substitute with dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
• Adjust the seasoning quantities to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
• Let the fish rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Tilapia, Air Fryer Tilapia, Fish Recipe, Healthy Fish, Quick Tilapia, Air Fried Fish