Description
This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy tender, flaky fish. Seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a zesty lemon-olive oil marinade, this dish cooks perfectly in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and moist interior without any added grease.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 lb)
Seasoning & Marinade
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water to remove any residue and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures the seasoning adheres well and helps achieve a crisp texture.
- Season the Fillets: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the fillets cook evenly and develop a nice crispy surface.
- Arrange the Fillets: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping or overcrowding. This allows proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Cook the Fish: Air fry the fillets for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the fillets are golden brown and easily flake with a fork, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the tilapia carefully and serve immediately. Accompany with extra lemon wedges for a fresh citrus boost if desired.
Notes
- For best results, pat the fillets very dry before seasoning to help crisp up the exterior.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fillets and your particular air fryer model.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
