Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
This air fryer tilapia is crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and packed with flavor. It’s one of the easiest air fryer fish recipes, perfect for a quick tilapia dinner. No deep frying, no mess—just simple, delicious fish in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest optional
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps it crisp up in the air fryer.
- Season the fillets by brushing them with olive oil and rubbing on all the spices evenly.
- Air fry the tilapia at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and parsley for garnish.
Notes
Tips & Variations:
- For extra crispiness, use a light coating of panko breadcrumbs.
- Try different seasonings like Cajun, lemon-pepper, or taco seasoning.
- No fresh tilapia? Use frozen—just add 3-4 extra minutes to the cook time.
- Make it a meal by serving with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.