This air fryer tilapia recipe is one of the easiest ways to get perfectly cooked, flavorful fish on the table with low effort.
Fresh tilapia fillets are seasoned with a simple but bold spice mix, then air fried until the fish is tender, flaky and lightly crisp on the outside.
This is a great recipe for when you’re looking for a high protein, low carb meal. There’s no breading and very little oil, keeping the calorie and fat content incredibly low.
Whether you serve it with vegetables, rice, or turn it into fish tacos, this is a great fish recipe to keep on hand.
Why We Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this easy air fryer recipe!
- Quick and easy: Air frying cooks tilapia quickly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Minimal effort: Once the fish is seasoned and placed in the air fryer, you simply set the timer and let the air fryer do the work.
- Healthy: This is a healthy way to prepare fish because you only need a small amount of cooking oil.
- Full of flavor: Tilapia has a mild flavor, so it works beautifully with everything from simple to bold seasonings.
- Tender and flaky: When cooked properly, the fish develops a deliciously flaky texture without becoming dry.
- Family-friendly: The mild flavor makes this a good option for kids and adults alike.
- Low-carb: Serve the fish with vegetables for an easy low-carb dinner.
Ingredients
- Tilapia fillets, fresh or frozen
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
How to Make Air Fryer Tilapia
Make the Seasoning Blend
Combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
Coat the Fish in the Seasoning
First, pat the fish dry with paper towels. Then, brush it on both sides with olive oil. Finally, coat the fish with the dry seasonings.
Air Fry the Tilapia
Place the seasoned tilapia into the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
For an easy dinner, pair this tilapia with your favorite side dish and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Here are some ideas:
- Serve with roasted veggies like green beans, asparagus or broccoli.
- Pair with a starch like rice, quinoa or roasted potatoes.
- Add the fish to tortillas with cabbage, avocado and salsa for easy fish tacos.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a light, healthy dinner.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftover tilapia, allow it to cool completely before storing. Place the fish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the fish back in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it because reheating for too long can dry out the fish.
In a pinch, the microwave works too.
Tips for Success
Pat the fish dry
Before seasoning your tilapia, use paper towels to pat the fish dry. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning adhere and promotes better browning during air frying.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
Arrange the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around each piece for the best results. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish in batches.
Don’t overcook the fish
The most important thing when air frying fish is paying attention to the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer, inserted into the thickest part of the fish. Tilapia should reach an internal temperature of 145F.
Keep in mind that the exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your fish filets and the size and model of your air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer
If your air fryer recommends preheating, don’t skip it. Starting with hot air helps the fish begin cooking immediately and can give you better, more consistent results.
Try a parchment liner
If you prefer easier cleanup, try an air fryer liner. Make sure it doesn’t block the circulation of hot air and never place loose parchment in the air fryer while it is preheating.
FAQs
You can absolutely use frozen fillets to make this recipe.
For the best results, I recommend thawing the fish first, either overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water.
Tilapia is a good source of lean protein with a relatively low fat content. It’s a versatile fish that can be used in many different healthy meals.
Absolutely. This method works well with other mild white fish like Mahi mahi, cod and Dover sole.
Keep in mind that different fish vary in thickness, so the cooking time may change. Always check the internal temperature at the thickest part rather than relying solely on the timer.
The easiest and most reliable way to know your fish is ready is to use a meat thermometer.
The thickest part of the tilapia should reach 145F degrees. The fish should also look opaque and easily flake with a fork.
When you make this air fryer tilapia recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more tilapia recipes, try these:
Air Fryer Tilapia
Ingredients
- 1 lb. tilapia fillets
- 2 Tbsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. onion powder
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- extra virgin olive oil for brushing the fish
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400F degrees.
- Combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Brush the fish on both sides with oil and coat with the spice mixture.
- Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook 4-5 minutes. Flip, and cook another 4-5 minutes. Remove onto a serving dish.
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