15-Minute Air Fryer Tilapia: Crispy, Flaky, Guilt-Free Delight Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a quick and healthy meal with this 15-minute air fryer tilapia recipe. Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, it’s a guilt-free delight that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed for best results)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust or swap with favorite spices)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (sea salt recommended for a gourmet touch)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh preferred, bottled works in a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill (optional for garnish, can substitute with other fresh herbs)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Pat dry the tilapia fillets using paper towels.
3. Step 3: Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil.
4. Step 4: Mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over both sides of the fillets.
5. Step 5: Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Step 6: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through cooking.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the fillets with cooking spray before seasoning.
• Try swapping paprika for smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky or spicy twist.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or quinoa for a complete meal.
• If you don’t have fresh lemon, zest some lemon peel over the fish for added brightness.

Storage

Store leftover cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave if possible to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking and better texture.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the seasoned fillets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

15-Minute Air Fryer Tilapia: Crispy, Flaky, Guilt-Free Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This 15-Minute Air Fryer Tilapia recipe delivers a crispy, flaky, and guilt-free fish dish perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Using simple seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and fresh lemon juice, the tilapia fillets cook quickly in the air fryer to achieve a golden crust while staying tender inside. Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, offering a nutritious, delicious seafood option in under 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tilapia Fillets

• 2 fillets Tilapia Fillets (Fresh or thawed for best results)

Seasonings & Oil

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adjust or swap with favorite spices)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (Increase or decrease based on taste preferences)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Use sea salt for a gourmet touch)
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper (Freshly cracked is best)

Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Fresh juice preferred, bottled can work in a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley or Dill (Optional for garnish, can substitute with other fresh herbs)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking the tilapia evenly and getting a crisp outer layer.
2. Prepare Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the fish crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
3. Season Fillets: Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the fillets for balanced flavor.
4. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
5. Cook Tilapia: Air fry the fillets at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures both sides cook evenly and develop a nice, golden crust.
6. Serve: Remove the tilapia fillets from the air fryer and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired, and serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For the best flavor, use fresh tilapia fillets that are fully thawed if previously frozen.
• Adjust the paprika and garlic powder amounts according to your spice preference or swap with your favorite seasoning blends.
• Ensure the fillets are not overlapping in the air fryer basket, which helps achieve even cooking and crispiness.
• You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile and similar health benefits.
• To add an extra crispy crust, lightly coat the fillets in panko breadcrumbs before seasoning.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete healthy meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Air fryer tilapia, quick fish recipe, healthy tilapia, crispy fish fillets, easy seafood dinner