🐟 Air Fryer Tilapia

This Air Fryer Tilapia is quick, light, and incredibly easy to make. The fish cooks in just minutes, with a deliciously seasoned outside and a tender, flaky center. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner!

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets, fresh or thawed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning, optional
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, for serving
• Lemon wedges, for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes, if your model recommends preheating.
2. Pat the tilapia fillets very dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents watery fish.
3. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
4. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the fish.
6. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them.
7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. No need to flip thin fillets, although you can carefully turn them halfway through.
8. The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
9. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tilapia

• Don’t overcook it. Tilapia is a lean fish and can become dry if cooked too long.
• Pat the fish dry before seasoning for better browning.
• Leave space between the fillets so hot air can circulate.
• For very thin fillets, start checking around 7 minutes.
• A little melted butter added after cooking makes the fish especially delicious.
• If the fish sticks easily, lightly oil the basket or use an air-fryer-safe liner according to your manufacturer’s instructions.

🧄 Easy Flavor Variations

Garlic Butter Tilapia:
After cooking, brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and lemon juice.

Cajun Tilapia:
Replace the seasoning mixture with your favorite Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

Parmesan Tilapia:
Add 2–3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan to the seasoning mixture.

Lemon Pepper Tilapia:
Use extra lemon pepper seasoning and finish with fresh lemon zest.

Spicy Tilapia:
Add ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

🍋 What to Serve With Tilapia

• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• Crispy baby potatoes
• Steamed or roasted broccoli
• Air fryer carrots
• Rice or quinoa
• Green salad
• Coleslaw
• Lemon wedges and tartar sauce

❄️ Can You Cook Frozen Tilapia in the Air Fryer?

Yes. Cook frozen fillets at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–16 minutes, depending on thickness. Season after the surface has thawed slightly, then continue cooking until the center reaches 145°F (63°C).

🔥 Quick Recipe Card

Temperature: 400°F / 200°C
Cooking time: 8–10 minutes
Servings: 4
Oil: 1 tablespoon
Doneness: 145°F / 63°C
Difficulty: Easy

The result: tender, flaky, flavorful tilapia with almost no cleanup!