Air Fryer Tilapia
A fast, healthy, and incredibly crispy tilapia recipe made in the air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor.
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- paper towels.
- Small mixing bowl
- tongs
Ingredients
Tilapia Fillets
- 4 tilapia fillets about 4-6 ounces each, fresh or frozen
Seasoning Blend
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika sweet paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gently pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is key to getting that perfectly crispy exterior instead of steamed fish.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the fish, gently pressing it on to make sure it adheres.
- Right before cooking, sprinkle the lemon zest over the fillets to maximize fresh aroma.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd to ensure proper air circulation.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Check for doneness: the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot fillets and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
This recipe works with any mild white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock. Adjust cooking time based on thickness. For a healthier version, you can skip the oil entirely—though it will be slightly less crispy.