Description
This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, flaky, and golden-brown fillets in just 22 minutes. Featuring a flavorful blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice, this healthy and simple meal is quick to prepare and ideal for a light dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 lb)
Seasoning and Marinade
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the tilapia: Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water to remove any residue, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
- Season the fish: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures a hot environment for crisping the fish.
- Arrange fillets in the air fryer: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the tilapia: Air fry the fillets for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Look for a golden brown color and flaky texture to confirm they’re done.
- Serve: Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for an added citrus kick.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the fillets cook evenly and get crispy.
- Flipping halfway through cooking is crucial for even browning and texture.
- Fresh lemon juice can be substituted with bottled lemon juice, but fresh is recommended for best flavor.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preferences.
- Leftover tilapia can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
