5 from 16 votes
Air Fryer Tilapia
Air fryer tilapia fillets are seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and paprika, then air fried until tender and flaky. Served with a buttery lemon caper sauce stirred with fresh parsley, this dish offers a flavorful, light protein option that can be paired with lemon wedges for added brightness.
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings:
2
servings
Calories:
189 kcal
Course:
Lunch
Cuisine:
American, International
Ingredients
Tilapia:
- 2 tilapia about 4 ounces each, fillets
- olive oil or avocado oil spray
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- black pepper to taste
- salt to taste
- 1 large lemon for serving
Lemon Caper Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted is best
- 1 tablespoon capers
- ½ large lemon juiced
- black pepper to taste
- salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray with olive oil spray.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning onto both sides of the fish.
- Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip the fillets with a spatula and air fry for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (145°F in the thickest part).
- While the tilapia cooks, melt the butter in a small pan or microwave. Stir in capers, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer and drizzle with the lemon caper sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon if desired!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Defrost frozen tilapia to room temperature before air frying for even cooking.
- Store leftover tilapia and lemon caper sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat tilapia in a microwave or air fryer briefly, then add warmed lemon caper sauce before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
189kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
9g
(3%)
Protein
24g
(48%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
72mg
(24%)
Sodium
174mg
(7%)
Potassium
485mg
(10%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
405IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
47mg
(52%)
Calcium
41mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 189
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 189kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 174mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 485mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 405IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 47mg | 52% |
| Calcium | 41mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.