Best Air Fried Tilapia
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Unrated
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Prep Time
7 mins
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Cook Time
7 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
2
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Calories
228 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Best Air Fried Tilapia
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This crispy Air Fryer Tilapia is ready in just 15 minutes. Seasoned to perfection and topped with a tangy lemon butter sauce, it’s a healthy, satisfying meal that feels restaurant-worthy—perfect for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients
Tilapia Fillets
- 2 thawed tilapia fillets see notes for frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper also try lemon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 zested lemon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter unsalted or salted, adjust salt to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Sliced green onion for garnish or parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, ground pepper, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Coat tilapia fillets with the dry mixture thoroughly. Let them marinate and absorb the spices for 5 minutes while preheating the air fryer to 400°F (205° C).
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or spray oil.
- Place tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. Most fish shouldn't need to be flipped when air fryer, but if your filets are really thick, for even browning and crisping, you may want to flipi. Then, turn them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Note: Cook time will vary depending on thickness of filets and your air fryer, as they all heat a little differently.
- While the tilapia is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. If desired, continue cooking the butter until it browns—it will foam, sizzle, and start to smell nutty. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, then stir in the browned garlic butter and a pinch of salt to make the lemon butter sauce.
- Garnish the cooked tilapia fillets with sliced green onions, parsley, or cilantro as desired.
Notes
- You can still make this recipe in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat to 425°F (220°C), place the seasoned fillets on a parchment or aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the fish flakes easily. You won't get quite the same crispy texture, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- Store: Let fish cool, then place in an airtight container with a paper towel underneath. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Store lemon butter sauce separately.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Skip the microwave—it makes the fish rubbery and soggy.
- While it's best to thaw tilapia before air frying for even cooking, you can cook directly from frozen, here's how:
- When cooking from frozen, the exterior might not get as crispy, and the seasonings may not adhere as well, but you will still end up with flavorful tilapia!
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) instead of 400°F.
- Brush the frozen fillets with oil and season generously.
- Air fry for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets.
- Apply more oil if needed and cook for 5-7 minutes until the fish reaches 145°F internally.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
228kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
4g
(1%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
24g
(37%)
Saturated Fat
12g
(60%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
46mg
(15%)
Sodium
825mg
(34%)
Potassium
63mg
(2%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
0.4g
(1%)
Vitamin A
776IU
(16%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
78mg
(8%)
Iron
0.5mg
(3%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 228 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 228kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 825mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 63mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.4g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 776IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 78mg | 8% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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