Crispy & Delicious Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and tasty dinner, this Air Fryer Tilapia is the perfect choice! It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Plus, it cooks in less than 15 minutes—way faster than baking or frying on the stove.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Brush or spoon
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Plate
Ingredients
For the Tilapia:
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional, for extra freshness
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Side of rice salad, or steamed veggies
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. This helps the tilapia cook evenly.
- Prepare the Tilapia – Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. This removes extra moisture, helping them crisp up better.
- Season the Fish – In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Brush the fillets with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides.
- Cook in the Air Fryer – Place the tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate to cook the fish properly.
- Air Fry the Tilapia – Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fillets should be golden and flaky when done.
- Check for Doneness – The tilapia is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or when it easily flakes with a fork.
- Serve & Enjoy – Transfer the fish to a plate, squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with your favorite sides!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: ~400mg (depending on seasoning)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.