Name: Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 persons
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed Lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 2 tablespoons grated Garlic; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika; 4 Tilapia Fillets

This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy a delicious meal. With just 15 minutes from prep to plate, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a nutritious family dinner. Seasoned with a smoky blend of paprika, cayenne, and chili powder, this dish offers a delightful kick while maintaining a keto-friendly, low-fat profile. Whether paired with roasted vegetables or served alongside crispy sweet potato slices, this recipe showcases the versatility and ease of air frying, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

If you're looking for more air fryer meal ideas, check out our comprehensive guide to air fryer meal prep.

#Gluten Free #Ketogenic #Low Fat #Paleo #Pescetarian #Primal #Whole30 #Family Dinners #Healthy Dinners #Healthy Lunches #Fish #Air Fryer

Pro Tip

Always check the internal temperature of the fish. It should reach 145°F to ensure it’s cooked through.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Healthy: Keto, low-fat, and packed with protein, this meal aligns with a variety of diets.
Delicious Seasoning: Smoky paprika and cayenne create a burst of flavor in every bite.
Versatile: Pair it with any side dish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure even cooking, place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer.
Use Fresh Spices: Opt for fresh paprika and cayenne for the best flavor profile.
Pat Dry the Fish: Before seasoning, pat the fillets dry to help the spices stick better and create a crispier texture.

Pair with steamed broccoli and lemon wedges for a low-carb meal.
Serve alongside quinoa or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced plate.
Complement with sweet potato fries for a kid-friendly dinner option.

Swap Tilapia with cod or haddock for a different texture.
Replace cayenne pepper with smoked paprika for a milder spice.
Add a touch of honey to the seasoning for a sweet and spicy glaze.

Short-Term Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
Reusability Tip: Flake leftover tilapia and use it in tacos, salads, or grain bowls.

Air Fryer

Dinner Plate

Large Mixing Bowl

Parchment Paper

Tilapia Fillets: A light and flaky base, perfect for air frying.
Paprika and Cayenne Pepper: Adds a smoky, spicy kick.
Chili Powder: Enhances the depth of flavor.
Lemon Juice: Provides a refreshing citrus balance.
Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy texture in the air fryer.
Garlic: Brings aromatic depth to the seasoning blend.

Can tilapia be made in the air fryer?

Yes, Tilapia can be air-fried. The sky is the limit for the number of items that can be air fried; from cakes to roasts and everything in between!

How long do you cook frozen tilapia in air fryer?

It takes approximately 10 minutes to air fry frozen Tilapia.

What temperature should tilapia be cooked to?

Tilapia should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you put frozen fish in an air fryer?

To ensure even and proper cooking times, it's recommended to thaw the fish overnight. Otherwise, you may end up with rubbery or unevenly cooked fish.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely! Try cumin or onion powder for additional flavor variations.

How to Make Air Fryer Tilapia

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and prepare a simple marinade by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Coat the tilapia fillets evenly in the mixture and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fillets are tender and flaky. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a quick and delicious meal.

Author: Sarah Leadon

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Time & Serves

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Serves

4 persons

Ingredients

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed Lemon juice
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
2 tablespoons grated Garlic
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
4 Tilapia Fillets

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F.

Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and paprika into a large bowl until combined.

Overview of a glass bowl of spices on a wooden board

Add the Tilapia to the bowl and toss to coat it in the seasonings.

Arial view of a bowl with pieces of Tilapia being coated with spices

Place parchment paper into the air fryer's basket and add the Tilapia fillets into the basket in an even layer. You may have to make two batches of fish depending on the size of your air fryer.