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Air Fryer Blackened Tilapia
This air fryer tilapia is quick, healthy, and packed with flavor thanks to a bold blackened seasoning rub. No breading, no mess—just tender, perfectly cooked fish in under 15 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters, and it goes with just about anything—from salads and rice bowls to tacos and roasted veggies.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
13 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 284 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 4-6 fillets tilapia
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil
- lemon wedges (for serving)
Blackened Seasoning Rub
- 3 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the Seasoning. In a bowl, whisk together all the blackened seasoning ingredients. Set aside.
- Prep the Tilapia. Rinse the tilapia fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Drizzle with avocado oil and lightly toss to coat. Drain any excess oil.
- Season the Fish. Rub about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning onto each fillet, coating both sides. Shake off any excess seasoning.
- Air Fry. Spray the air fryer basket and the fillets generously with oil. Arrange in a single layer and air fry for 7–9 minutes, or until the thickest part of the fillet reaches 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Dry the fish well – This helps the seasoning stick and gives a better texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Work in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Adjust the heat – Reduce or increase the cayenne depending on your spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer – 145°F is your magic number for perfectly cooked fish.
- Dry the fish well – This helps the seasoning stick and gives a better texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Work in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Adjust the heat – Reduce or increase the cayenne depending on your spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer – 145°F is your magic number for perfectly cooked fish.
Nutrition Information
Calories
284kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
6g
(2%)
Protein
35g
(70%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Cholesterol
85mg
(28%)
Sodium
676mg
(28%)
Potassium
684mg
(20%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
2717IU
(54%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
56mg
(6%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 284
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 284kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 676mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 684mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 2717IU | 54% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.