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Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe offers a quick and healthy way to enjoy flaky, flavorful fish with a crispy exterior. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice, this dish is ideal for a nutritious weeknight meal that’s ready in just over 20 minutes.


Ingredients

Fish

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 lb)

Seasoning

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper


Instructions

  1. Prepare the fillets: Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water to remove any residual scales or impurities, then pat them completely dry using paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
  2. Season the fish: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a brush to evenly coat both sides of each tilapia fillet with this flavorful mixture.
  3. Preheat the air fryer: Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to preheat for approximately 5 minutes to achieve the ideal cooking environment.
  4. Arrange the fillets: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets carefully in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them so air can circulate freely for even cooking.
  5. Cook the fish: Air fry the tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping each fillet halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the fish turns golden brown on the outside and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Serve: Immediately transfer the cooked tilapia to plates and serve with extra lemon wedges to add a fresh burst of citrus flavor on the side.

Notes

  • Ensure the tilapia fillets are dry before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation and proper crisping.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the fillets and your specific air fryer model.
  • For extra flavor, you can sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.