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.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Seafood
Air-fryer For even cooking and crisp texture
Tongs For handling the fish without breaking it
Basting brush For coating the fillets with oil
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
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.
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