Description
A quick and healthy Air Fryer Tilapia recipe featuring tender, flaky fish seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powder, cooked to perfection with a crispy exterior. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and the air fryer method for a delicious weeknight meal topped with fresh lemon and parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Oil
- 24 ounces tilapia filets (4–6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- 1 lemon, cut into quarters
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- Prepare the tilapia filets: Coat both sides of the tilapia pieces evenly with avocado oil to promote browning and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Oil the air fryer basket: Using the remaining avocado oil, brush or coat the bottom of the air fryer basket to further prevent the fish from sticking during cooking.
- Season the tilapia: Sprinkle paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over both sides of each tilapia filet to infuse flavor.
- Air fry the fish: Place the seasoned tilapia filets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping midway if desired, until the fish is opaque, flaky, and easily falls apart when tested with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and top with fresh lemon wedges and finely chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days after cooling completely to prevent condensation.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 1 month using freezer-safe bags with parchment paper between fillets to avoid sticking.
- Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain moisture. Alternatively, use oven or microwave with a spritz of oil.
- Tips: Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and a crispier finish.
- Flip fillets halfway through cooking for even browning and to prevent sticking.
- Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and soggy results.
- For a crunchier texture, coat the tilapia with a mix of grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs after oiling or dipping in beaten eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tilapia filet (6 ounces)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
