AIR FRYER TILAPIA
A simple, nutritious, and delectable method to enjoy crispy, tasty fish with little work is to air fry tilapia. Without using a lot of oil, this air fryer produces a golden-brown coating for this delicate and flaky white fish. This recipe is ideal for a midweek supper and goes great with quinoa on the side, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. For fish fans seeking a quick and wholesome lunch, air-fried tilapia is a must-try, regardless of whether you season it with basic herbs and spices or add a tangy lemon-garlic twist!
Ingredients:
Two 6-ounce tilapia filets each
One tablespoon of olive oil
One teaspoon of chili powder
Half a teaspoon of paprika
Half a teaspoon of salt
Half a teaspoon of black pepper
Directions:
Set the air fryer’s temperature to 200°C (400°F). Apply some cooking spray to the basket.
Dry the tilapia fillets with a pat. Using your hands, massage the fish on both sides with a mixture of salt, pepper, smoky paprika, and garlic.
Spray cooking spray on the top of the tilapia filets after adding them to the air fryer basket. Flip midway through the 7–8 minute air fry time.
Prepare the sauce while the fish cooks. Combine the parsley, lemon juice, garlic, and melted butter in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
Serve the fish fillets right away after liberally brushing them with the lemon butter sauce.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tilapia:
Pat the Fish Dry – Before seasoning, pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy texture.
Use Light Oil – A light spray of olive oil or avocado oil helps the seasoning stick and enhances crispiness without excess grease.
Don’t Overcrowd – Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisp edges.
Preheat the Air Fryer – Preheating for a few minutes ensures even cooking and a better texture.
Check for Doneness – Tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Flavor Variations:
Garlic Parmesan – Coat tilapia with a mix of garlic powder, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of paprika for a rich, savory twist.
Lemon Herb – Add fresh lemon juice, parsley, and dill for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Spicy Cajun – Use Cajun seasoning or blackened seasoning for a bold, smoky kick.
Panko-Crusted – Dip the fillets in egg wash and coat them with seasoned panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Honey Soy Glaze – Brush with a mix of honey, soy sauce, and ginger before cooking for a sweet-savory Asian-inspired taste.
Air Fryer Tilapia Nutrition Facts:
Calories: ~120-150 kcal Protein: ~26g Fat: ~2-4g Saturated Fat: ~0.5g Carbohydrates: ~0-2g (depends on seasoning) Fiber: 0g Sugar: 0g Sodium: ~250-400mg (varies based on seasoning) Cholesterol: ~55mg
With Variations:
Panko-Crusted Tilapia: +50-80 kcal, +8-12g carbs Garlic Parmesan Tilapia: +40-60 kcal, +3-5g fat Honey Soy Glaze: +60-80 kcal, +10-12g sugar