Air Fryer Tilapia is one of my favorite, inexpensive seafood recipes. It’s easy to prepare AND quick to make, so you don’t have to wait for dinner or spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I like to make it on busy nights so we can still enjoy a homemade meal without a ton of effort.
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The mixture of spices helps form a crust when you air fry the tilapia filets. It also acts as a barrier so the fish remains tender, too! I keep the seasoning blend super simple and add fresh lemon to let the natural flavors of the tilapia shine.
If you like air fryer fish recipes, you will love this Air Fryer Catfish and this Air Fryer Frozen Cod too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It takes less than 15 minutes: Preparation and cooking time totals less than 15 minutes, allowing you to spend more time relaxing than in the kitchen—especially after a long day at work.
- It goes well with everything: You can pair any side dish your heart desires with this air fryer tilapia recipe. It’s an incredibly versatile protein!
- It’s budget-friendly: I love that you can still enjoy good seafood on a budget! Tilapia is one of the more affordable varieties of fish, but it still cooks amazingly and takes on a variety of flavors well.
Ingredients
These are all of the components you’ll need to perfectly prepare and season your air fried tilapia. It’s a list of common pantry staples!
- Tilapia filets: I use 4 tilapia filets for this recipe. If you need more, you will have to increase the amounts of the other ingredients. Tilapia is a fairly lean fish and is easy to overcook if you don’t watch it.
- Spices: I chose paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is a simple spice blend that adds color and provides balanced, savory flavors without overwhelming the fish.
- Lemon and parsley: Although lemon juice is technically optional, it is necessary. A squeeze of citrus lifts the flavors of the tilapia. It’s one of the most important components of any fish dish. I also like a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and color.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spicy cajun: Use your favorite cajun spice blend to season the tilapia before you air fry it for a bold, spicy flavor.
- Parmesan herb: Try adding more fresh herbs, such as thyme and dill. I like to sprinkle a little parmesan on top to add a crispy texture, too.
- Chili lime: Swap your lemon for lime and use some chili powder for a smokier version.
How to Cook Tilapia in the Air Fryer
Here are the instructions needed so you know how to air fry tilapia. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for about 5 minutes before you start cooking.
Step 1: Coat with oil. Brush both sides of each piece of tilapia with avocado oil. Use any remaining oil in the air fryer basket so they won’t stick.
Step 2: Season the fish. Next, generously sprinkle both sides of all filets with the spices.
Step 3: Cook the filets. Stick them in the air fryer basket and cook them for about 7-10 minutes or until perfectly flaky.
Step 4: Garnish and serve. Finish the tilapia with a squeeze of fresh lemon and chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Pat the filets dry: To get some color on the tilapia, pat the filets dry with paper towels before you season them. This will prevent them from steaming in the air fryer.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket: Air fryer basket sizes vary, so only cook as many as you can without overlapping them. This ensures they all cook evenly and properly. Cooking them in batches is fine!
- Let them rest: Allow your fish a few minutes to rest when you pull them from the air fryer. It will keep them moist before you serve them!
If you love recipes like this easy air-fried tilapia, you may also enjoy this Tilapia and Shrimp recipe.
Storage Directions
- Storage: Store the tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, they are best reheated in a 350°F oven for approximately 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The microwave can quickly dry out the fish.
- Make Ahead: I like to oil and season the fish filets a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator before I’m ready to cook. This makes dinnertime such a breeze!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve a simple vegetable side dish like these air fried zucchini fries or smoked asparagus when you air fry tilapia filets for dinner.
- I love to make this Greek pasta salad and add leftover tilapia to it for a nutritious lunch.
- If you want a starch, great choices are these mashed potato patties and slow cooker corn on the cob.
- Lemon garlic aioli makes a fantastic sauce for tilapia!
Recipe FAQs
Sure. Just ensure the filets are fully thawed before you cook them. They will not cook evenly or season well when they are still frozen.
The minimum internal temperature for fish is 145°F. Feel free to check the thickest part of the filets to be sure.
I don’t, but you can. The air fryer cooks well enough that the heat gets to the bottom and top equally for even cooking. If you use a liner, definitely flip them halfway.
More Delicious Fish Dishes
Do you like fish for dinner? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Air Fryer Tilapia
Equipment
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia filets 4-6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lemon cut into quarters
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer 400° F for 5 minutes.
- Coat both sides of the tilapia with avocado oil. Set aside.
- With the remainder of the oil coat the bottom of the air fryer.
- Season both sides of the tilapia with the dried seasonings.
- Cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the tilapia is flaky and falls apart.
- Top with fresh lemon and chopped parsley
Notes
- Reheat this air fryer tilapia in the oven or a skillet. Avoid the microwave as it can dry out the fish.
- Store leftover filets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pat the fish down with paper towels thoroughly to remove any excess moisture to allow them to crisp up in the air fryer.
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