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Top of air fryer tilapia on a white plate.

Air Fryer Tilapia (10-Minute Meal)

Rich and delish
This air fryer tilapia is quick, easy, flavorful, delicious, juicy, and tender, and is the perfect weeknight dinner that is healthy and satisfy your family.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 181 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 Tilapia fillets
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • Into a small mixing bowl, add the olive oil, lemon zest, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and mix with a spoon until well combined.
  • Lightly rinse and pat dry the tilapia fillets until they are dry. Split the spice mixture and brush each fillet with half of the mixture.
  • Brush the air fryer basket with the oil of your choice and place the fillets with the skin side down without overlapping.
  • Cook at 200c (400f) for 9-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets. I cooked mine for exactly 10 minutes. Cook until golden brown and check doneness with a fork. If the fish feels tender, it's ready!
  • Top the fish with chopped parsley and serve with slices of lemon next to your favorite side dish!

Notes

  • Do not disturb the fish! Let the fish cook for at least 8 minutes without flipping it so it will not stick to the basket of the air fryer.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket! This will ensure that your tilapia cooks evenly and perfectly.
  • Choose fish fillets that are similar in size to ensure that they'll cook evenly.
  • Pat dry the fish with paper towels before you add the spices mixture to make it crisp up on the outside.
  • Don't overcook the fish to keep it tender and juicy.
  • I don’t recommend flipping the tilapia as it cooks. You risk breaking the delicate fish if you flip it at the halfway point. However, the air fryer will allow for browning on both sides of the fish without flipping.
  • If your fish was frozen beforehand, make sure to pat dry the fillets before seasoning. Doing so ensures the seasoning sticks better, and the tilapia will crisp up instead of steam in the air fryer.

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 34gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 796mgPotassium: 544mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 112IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Air Fryer Tilapia
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