Air Fryer Tilapia (11 Minutes!)

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Tilapia is one of my favorite fish to eat on a busy weeknight — Grilled Tilapia, Fried Tilapiaand Parmesan Tilapia Both are winners in my house – but cooking tilapia in the air fryer is the fastest way! It’s flaky, has crispy edges, is super delicious, and it’s so easy.my kids like this Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe…Honestly, so is my wallet.

Ingredients and Substitutes

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for cooking tilapia in the air fryer, the role each ingredient plays in the recipe, and substitution options.For measurements, see recipe card below.

• Tilapia Fillet – Look for pink and white flesh. You can use fresh tilapia fillets or frozen tilapia.Read more about choosing tilapia in my post Grilled Tilapia. Other varieties of white fish fillets will work too, but cooking times will vary depending on thickness.
• olive oil – For brushing over fish fillets. You can also use a different neutral cooking oil, such as avocado oil.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning – Adds bright, savory flavor.i use mine Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning, but you can also use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning, or simply use black pepper and add fresh lemon zest. My homemade version contains salt, but if yours doesn’t, add 3/4 teaspoon sea salt to this air fryer tilapia recipe.
• spices – include chili and garlic powder For more flavor.
• side dish – including fresh lemon juice and parsley. They are optional, but add another flavor.

Variation: Make it spicy!

If you want to kick your tilapia, use mine homemade cajun seasoning mixture in place of lemon pepper seasoning.

How to Cook Tilapia in the Air Fryer

This section shows how to make air fryer tilapia, with detailed step-by-step photos and technical details to help you visualize it.For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see recipe card below.

1. Prepare. closure Air fryer Turn on and preheat. Spray the baskets lightly with cooking spray (I prefer olive oil spray). Dry the fish with paper towels.
2. brush. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. coat. Brush both sides of the fillets with the olive oil and spice mixture until evenly coated.
4. chef. Place the tilapia in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they are not touching each other (in batches if necessary). Cook until the tilapia is lightly browned and flakes easily with a fork.

5. decorate. Remove fish from air fryer. If desired, squeeze a lemon wedge over each tilapia fillet and garnish with parsley just before serving.

How long to cook tilapia in the air fryer?

Air fryer tilapia takes 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. When tilapia is cooked, it will remain flaky and white.The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C) – use meat thermometer If not sure.

Can You Cook Frozen Tilapia in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can air fry frozen tilapia. Season and air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 10 minutes.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tilapia

• Choose fillets that are similar in size. This way, they will cook at the same speed.
• Dry the fish. Pat each fillet dry with paper towels before brushing with oil. This helps the fish crisp up a bit on the outside, locks in moisture on the inside, and allows the seasoning to adhere better.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the rounded corners don’t overlap. If tilapia is not suitable, cook in batches.
• Do not overcook. The ideal internal temperature for moist, flaky tilapia is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so use meat thermometer if you have. (If you like it cooked better, you can cook it up to 145°F.) If you don’t have a thermometer, check with a fork that the fish flakes easily but is still moist.

storage instructions

• shop: Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy leftover air fryer tilapia fillets within 3-4 days.

• Reheat: Heat the tilapia in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, or in an oven at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes, until warmed through. Microwaves are not recommended, but can be done on low power.
• freeze: You can freeze cooked tilapia if you want to extend its shelf life. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.

Foods to Serve with the Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

One of the great things about air fryer tilapia recipes is that they are so versatile! Here are some simple ideas:

• asparagus – A natural match for white fish.try lemon garlic Fried Asparagustacky Asparagus Casseroleor Air Fryer Asparagus.
• simple vegetable – except asparagus, crispy mashed brussels sprouts, Oven Roasted Green Beansand Roasted Cauliflower All of these add a delicious, healthy side to tilapia.
• pasta and potatoes – served with traditional pasta, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, baked potatoesor try a healthier swap like Mashed Cauliflower, Zucchini Noodlesor Cauliflower Fried Rice.
• salad – Serve these fillets with quick and easy salads such as Greek Salad, Creamy Cucumber Salad, Spring Mixed Salador Strawberry Spinach Salad – or choose one from my other Healthy Salad Recipes!

More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Recipes

Air Fryer Recipes Makes quick dinner prep so easy. Here are more cuts to cook it tender and juicy!

Air Fryer Tilapia (11 Minutes!)

This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe makes for a quick weeknight meal in 11 minutes! It’s super flaky, crispy around the edges, and delicious with lemon pepper.

Prepare: 5 minute

chef: 6 minute

all: 11 minute

Serving Size: 4 (adjust according to recipe)

raw material

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instruct

Click a time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while you cook.

1. warm up Air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.

2. in a small bowl, brush Together olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika and garlic powder.

3. Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with the olive oil/spice mixture until evenly coated.

4. Place the tilapia in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they are not touching each other. (Cook in batches if not suitable.) 6-8 minutesCook until the tilapia is light brown and flakes easily with a fork.

5. Remove fish from air fryer. If desired, squeeze a lemon wedge over each tilapia fillet and garnish with parsley just before serving.

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recipe notes

serving size: 1 tilapia fillet

• Nutrition Facts does not include lemon or parsley.

nutrient content

Amount per serving. Serving sizes in recipe instructions above.

calories 203

fat 9.3 grams

protein 28.8 grams

total carbohydrates 2.1 grams

net carbs 1.4 grams

fiber 0.7 grams

sugar 0.5 grams

Nutrition facts are provided politely. Questions about calculations or why are you getting different results?Please see our nutrition policy.

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