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GET IT NOWFish might not be the first thing you think of when you think of air frying, but it’s actually one of the best uses for this appliance, because it locks in moisture so well. And nowhere is this more noticeable than with lean fish. While I cook this variety in all kinds of ways, air fryer tilapia is my fave because it turns out so flaky and tender — and incredibly fast. It has saved me last minute for so many dinners. If you need something super quick (and affordable) tonight, make your tilapia in the air fryer with me!
Why You Need My Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
- Flaky and flavorful with crispy edges – The flavor is garlicky and lemony, and the texture is ultra tender and moist. And unlike thicker types of fish (like my air fryer cod), the thinner sides of tilapia get these irresistible crispy edges.
- Super duper fast – This is one of my favorite fish varieties for busy weeknights — baked tilapia, pan fried tilapia, and parmesan crusted tilapia are all winners at my house — but cooking tilapia in the air fryer is my fastest method of all. It cooks in minutes!
- Simple ingredients – Many air fryer tilapia recipes have bread crumbs or another batter, but my version is more simple. It’s healthier, easier, and still comes out amazing.
- Budget friendly – With the exception of one kid who rejects allmost all fish, my family loves this recipe… and let’s be honest, so does my wallet.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer tilapia recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Tilapia Fillets – You can use fresh or frozen tilapia. (Just see my tips below for instructions if yours is frozen). Other varieties of white fish fillets will also work, though cook time will vary based on thickness.
- Olive Oil – For flavor and locking in moisture. Avocado oil works great, too.
- Seasonings – This homemade lemon pepper seasoning is my fave here, but you can also use a store-bought mix, or simply use black pepper and add fresh lemon zest. You’ll also need paprika and garlic powder.
- Garnishes – Lemons and parsley. They’re optional, but I highly recommend!
How To Cook Tilapia In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Prep your air fryer. Turn the air fryer on and let it preheat. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray (I prefer olive oil spray).
- Whisk the seasonings. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Season the fish fillets. Pat it dry with paper towels, then brush both sides with the oil and spice mixture.
- Air fry. Place the tilapia in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook until lightly browned and flaky.
- Garnish. If you like, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked fish, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
My Recipe Tips
- If you can, choose fillets that are similar in thickness. This way, they will cook at the same rate.
- Have just tilapia loins instead of whole fillets? You can still use my recipe. The time should be about the same, but I would check on them a minute earlier just in case.
- Check if your seasoning mix has salt. My homemade lemon pepper seasoning does, so I don’t add extra salt to my air fryer tilapia recipe. If yours is unsalted, add 3/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. It’s okay if the fillets touch, but make they don’t overlap. I usually need to cook in 2 batches for 4 tilapia fillets.
- Do you need to flip? Nope! In fact, I don’t recommend it, especially if you have whole tilapia fillets (as opposed to narrow strips), because flipping larger pieces of tilapia in the air fryer can be challenging without them falling apart. The air flow is enough to cook them evenly without flipping.
- For perfect results, go by internal temperature — time can vary by thickness. The ideal internal temp for moist, flaky tilapia is 140 degrees F, so use a meat thermometer if you have one. I have and like this probe version, so it beeps when ready and I don’t have to open the air fryer to check. You can cook it up to 145 degrees F if you prefer it more well done, but it’s a bit more dry that way. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the fish flakes easily with a fork but is still moist.
- Yes, you can cook it from frozen! I don’t usually recommend this for fish, but ever since I made frozen salmon in my air fryer, I figured out this method works for most fish. Simply air fry tilapia without any seasonings for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F first, then season and cook as usual like my recipe below.
Variations For More Flavor
I think this air fryer tilapia already tastes flavorful from the seasonings, but sometimes I make these versions for something extra:
- Want a kick? Use my Cajun seasoning or blackened seasoning instead of lemon pepper.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the fish before cooking.
- Drizzle with sauce: My fave over this fish is this lemon butter sauce.
Serving Ideas
Air fryer tilapia pairs well with just about any healthy side dish, but I’m partial to quick ones since that’s one of the things this recipe has going for it. Try these:
- Veggies – Asparagus is my go-to with fish. You can saute asparagus while you’ve got the tilapia in the air fryer, or make air fryer asparagus quickly right after. This works with other air fryer vegetables or even roasted vegetables, too.
- Starches – Air fryer potatoes are my family’s favorite, but you can also throw some sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot, or choose my lighter swaps like mashed cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice.
- Salads – I threw together a simple arugula salad above. This lemony air fried tilapia also goes well with my Greek salad, creamy cucumber salad, spring mix salad, or strawberry spinach salad.
- Fish Tacos – I recommend swapping the seasoning for taco seasoning for these. Flake the fish and stuff into tortillas with your favorite fixings. I love them with taco slaw, salsa verde, avocado, and shredded Mexican cheese.
Air Fryer Tilapia (Fast & Flaky Recipe)
My air fryer tilapia recipe makes a fast weeknight meal in around 10 minutes! It's super flaky, with crisp edges and flavorful lemon pepper.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with olive oil/spice mixture, until evenly coated.
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Place tilapia in the air fryer basket in a single layer, so they are not touching each other. (Cook in batches if it doesn’t all fit.) Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the tilapia is lightly browned and easily flakes with a fork.
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Remove the fish from the air fryer. If desired, squeeze a lemon wedge onto each tilapia fillet and garnish with parsley before serving.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 tilapia fillet
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help your fish cook evenly and stay moist, and even an option to cook from frozen.
- Flavor Variations: See my variations above for more delicious seasoning options.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: I highly recommend placing the tilapia in the air fryer again to reheat, but this time at 350 degrees F. It only takes about 2 minutes.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Note on nutrition info: The optional lemon and parsley are not included, but they don’t change the numbers much.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
12 Comments
gandrbechtel2006
0I tried the air fryer tilapia and was pleasantly pleased! Even my husband liked it!
Wholesome Yum D
0So happy the recipe turned out well! Even better that your husband enjoyed it too, sounds like a new dinner win to keep in the rotation.
karahendricks5
0This recipe was so easy, as most of Maya’s recipes are!! My husband and I really enjoyed this quick fish recipe with a side salad.
Wholesome Yum D
0Thanks, Kara! I’m happy you both enjoyed it and I love hearing that it was quick and easy for you!
Michele
0So yummy, so easy – it’s on the regular rotation now:)
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thanks, Michele! I’m so glad it made it to your regular rotation.
Alida Ruiz
0I prepared this last night for myself. 1/2 the ingredients just one filet. Amazingly simple and delicious. I’m on a strict pre surgery diet with virtually no oil. Dabbed the oil on with a basting brush to use minimum. Making it again tonight.
Vicki
0This has become my go-to seasoning for fish: tilapia, cod, salmon, any and all white fish. So simple and truly delicious.
Vicki W
0Delicious and super easy! The mix of the spices is great. My husband and I both loved it. The only problem was the lack of leftovers. LOL. It tasted like I know how to cook fish. A definite new go-to recipe staple.
Journa Liz Ramirez
0It was my first time cooking tilapia in the air fryer, it was so great and flavorful. Even my picky kids liked it. I surely make this again, thanks Maya!
Abby
0This turned out so flavorful and the fish was cooked perfectly!
Jessica
0This is such a healthier option than the deep-fried fish that we used to make before we started eating better. Thank you for helping me find a recipe that we all love but it’s better for us!