Air Fryer Tilapia

Light, crispy, and ready in under 15 minutes, this Air Fryer Tilapia recipe is the ultimate no-fuss dinner. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this dish delivers perfectly cooked fish every time—tender on the inside and golden on the outside. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite sides for a healthy, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and easy to love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes or less with simple ingredients.
Healthy – Low in fat and high in lean protein.
Crispy Outside, Flaky Inside – Air fryer magic gives it the perfect texture.
Minimal Cleanup – No oil splatters or frying mess.
Versatile – Serve in tacos, on salads, or with rice and veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Tilapia:

• 2 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Optional Coating (for extra crisp):

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or panko (optional)
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush or spoon
• Tongs or spatula
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fish
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Brush both sides of each fillet with oil.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides.
(Optional) Press lightly into breadcrumbs/parmesan mix for a crispier finish.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 3: Air Fry the Tilapia
Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Serve
Remove carefully with a spatula.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tilapia
Don’t Overcrowd – Leave space between fillets for even cooking.
Use Parchment Liners – Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
Keep an Eye on Time – Thinner fillets cook faster; check at 7 minutes.
Add Heat – Sprinkle with cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Don’t Skip the Lemon – It brightens and balances the flavor perfectly.

Serving Suggestions
With Roasted Veggies – Air fryer broccoli, carrots, or zucchini are great sides.
Over Rice or Quinoa – For a wholesome, satisfying meal.
In Tacos – Flake the tilapia and serve with slaw and lime crema.
With a Fresh Salad – Serve over mixed greens with vinaigrette.
As a Sandwich – Add to a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Air Fryer – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.
Oven – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave – Not recommended as it may make the fish rubbery.

Freeze:
Wrap cooked tilapia in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

2. Can I make it breaded?
Absolutely! Dip in beaten egg, then coat with seasoned panko or breadcrumbs for a crispy version.

3. Is tilapia healthy?
Yes, it’s a lean source of protein and low in calories, making it great for healthy diets.

4. What other fish can I use?
You can substitute with cod, haddock, or catfish—just adjust the cook time depending on thickness.

5. Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! Just skip the parmesan and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or no coating at all.

Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Tilapia is a weeknight winner—easy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, it’s a foolproof way to enjoy healthy fish with a crispy twist. Add it to your meal rotation for a quick dish that never disappoints.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American, Healthy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 2g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 250mg

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