Description
This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to prepare tender fish fillets with a perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior. Using simple spices and olive oil, the tilapia cooks quickly in the air fryer, making it an ideal weeknight dish that’s light and satisfying.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 16 oz. tilapia fillets (3 fillets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
To Serve
- lemon wedges, for serving
- minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400ºF and allow it to heat up for 4 to 5 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.
- Prepare seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper, stirring well to create a flavorful paste.
- Season the tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning adhere. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with the prepared seasoning mixture.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking. If needed, cook the fish in batches depending on the air fryer size.
- Cook the tilapia: Air fry the fillets for 5 to 6 minutes, checking doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Serve and garnish: Using a fish spatula, carefully transfer the cooked tilapia to serving plates. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve the tilapia with your choice of sides or use it as a filling for buns, salads, or tacos for versatile meals.
- Adjust the seasoning mix to suit your taste preference, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
- This air frying method works well with similar sized and flavored fish such as striped bass, rainbow trout, and red snapper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 5.3 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
