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Top-down image of crispy Air Fryer Tilapia fillets on a ceramic plate. The golden fillets are garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges. A side of roasted vegetables is placed nearby on a white marble counter.

Air Fryer Tilapia

Air Fryer Tilapia is a quick and healthy way to enjoy crispy, flaky fish with minimal effort. This simple recipe creates a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and moist, making it perfect for an easy dinner or meal prep.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Seafood
Servings 2 fillets

Equipment

  • Air-fryer For even cooking and crisp texture
  • Tongs For handling the fish without breaking it
  • Basting brush For coating the fillets with oil

Ingredients
  

  • 2 fillets tilapia fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing on the fillets
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional, for added depth
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra color and flavor
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the fish cooks evenly.
  • Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush lightly with olive oil.
  • Season both sides of the fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
  • Air fry for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is golden-brown and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, lightly coat the tilapia with panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
  • To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
  • Pair with fresh vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a well-balanced meal.
Keyword air fryer fish, crispy tilapia, tilapia recipe
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