Description
This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to prepare tender fish fillets with a simple blend of spices. By using the air fryer, you get crispy edges and juicy fish inside in just minutes without added oils, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 16 oz. tilapia fillets (3 fillets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF for 4 to 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking the fish evenly.
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning paste.
- Season Tilapia Fillets: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then brush both sides of each fillet with the prepared seasoning mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary depending on the size of your air fryer to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the Tilapia: Air fry the fillets for 5 to 6 minutes, checking for doneness. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Use a fish spatula or a thin spatula to carefully transfer the cooked tilapia to serving plates. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Serve the tilapia with your favorite sides, or use it on buns, salads, or tacos for versatility.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking; add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a bit of heat.
- This air frying method is versatile and works well with other similar sized fish such as striped bass, rainbow trout, or red snapper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tilapia fillet (approximately 5.3 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
