Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this Air Fryer Tilapia is a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option that comes together in under 15 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal oil, you’ll have perfectly golden fillets that taste as if they were pan-fried. Serve them with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley for a light and flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in just 10–15 minutes from start to finish.
Healthier alternative: Uses little to no oil while still achieving a crispy texture.
Perfectly seasoned: Mild, flaky fish that pairs beautifully with lemon and herbs.
Family-friendly: A simple recipe everyone will enjoy — even picky eaters.

Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed, about 4–6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the fish crisp up nicely.

2. Season the Tilapia

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil on both sides, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly over each piece.

3. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly grease the basket with non-stick spray or a brush of oil. Place two fillets in a single layer inside the basket — do not overcrowd, as this can cause the fish to steam instead of crisping.

4. Cook the Tilapia

Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the fillets are golden brown and easily flake with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when checked with a food thermometer.

5. Repeat

Remove the cooked fillets from the basket and keep them warm. Continue air frying the remaining fillets in batches.

6. Serve

Transfer the tilapia to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Expert Tips

Don’t skip preheating: It helps the coating crisp up evenly.
Avoid overcrowding: Work in batches for the best texture.
Use a thermometer: This ensures the fish is cooked perfectly without drying out.
Flavor variations: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or substitute tilapia with cod, haddock, or catfish.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Tilapia

This light and flavorful fish pairs well with a variety of sides:

Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
Fresh garden salad or coleslaw
Rice pilaf, quinoa, or roasted potatoes
Tartar sauce or a simple lemon-dill yogurt sauce

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave to maintain crispiness.
Freeze: You can freeze cooked tilapia for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer until hot.

Equipment

Air Fryer
Kitchen thermometer
Mixing bowl and basting brush

Nutrition Information

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation methods.