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Best Air Fried Tilapia

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.

Prep Time
7 mins
Cook Time
7 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 228 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pat tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil.​
  2. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, ground pepper, and salt in a medium bowl.​
  3. 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).​
  4. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or spray oil.​
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

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

% 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.