Air Fryer Tilapia

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Tilapia is light, flaky, and packed with flavor. This easy recipe makes a healthy and quick meal ready in under 15 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 208kcal

Preheat the air fryer 400° F for 5 minutes.
Coat both sides of the tilapia with avocado oil. Set aside.
24 ounces tilapia filets, 1 tablespoon avocado oil
With the remainder of the oil coat the bottom of the air fryer.
Season both sides of the tilapia with the dried seasonings.
2 teaspoons paprika, ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder
Cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the tilapia is flaky and falls apart.
Top with fresh lemon and chopped parsley
1 lemon cut into quarters, 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Storage:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the leftover tilapia in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Place parchment between fillets to prevent sticking.

Reheat without drying out: To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven or microwave, but a quick spritz of oil before reheating helps maintain moisture and prevents the fish from drying out.

Tips:

Preheating helps the fish cook evenly and enhances the crispy texture.
Flip the fillets midway through cooking to brown both sides and prevent sticking.
If you're cooking multiple pieces, work in batches to maintain airflow and avoid soggy fish.
For a crunchy upgrade, coat tilapia in a mix of grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Lightly press the coating onto the fillets after brushing with oil or dipping in beaten eggs.