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Fresh or frozen and thawed tilapia filets can be used. The packaged fillets in the photos come several in a larger bag in the frozen section of the grocery store. Individual fillets can be taken out and thawed whenever you need them so they never go bad.
Air Fryer Tilapia is a delicious dinner option for busy weeknights. Tender flaky white fish cooked to perfectly in less than 10 minutes cook time! It's a mild fish seasoned to perfection making a healthy recipe the whole family will love! 0 Weight Watchers points too.
Eat more fish!' How many times have you heard this? It's true but somehow making fish can be a mystery or if you don't like the flavor it's turnoff. No matter what camp you fall in this Air Fryer Tilapia recipe is for you! It's an easy way to work fish into a healthy meal and enjoy it too!
Tilapia is a delicate, flaky fish with very mild flavor (read: it's not fishy tasting). Unlike some other choices like yummy buttery Sea Bass, tilapia is also inexpensive making it a great choice for a main dish or to use in other recipes like tilapia fish tacos.
What makes this skinny?
- Tilapia is a low calorie fish that packs a ton of protein (26 grams of protein in a serving with only 128 calories). It's also low fat (3 grams of fat per serving). It's also loaded with vitamins and minerals. Combined with the mild flavor makes a great way to eat fish regularly!
- The only other ingredients are seasonings and a spritz of olive oil which are very low in calories.
Recipe Ingredient Notes
Tilapia fillets. Our recipe is based on using 4-ounce fillets (the recommended serving size). You can find fresh tilapia fillets in the fish section of the store or frozen in separate fillets.
If using frozen fillets start with completely thawed tilapia fillets. Larger fillets can also be used however the cooking time will need to be adjusted.
Seasonings. Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and garlic powder are used to season the fillets.
Lemon. You'll squeeze the juice of half a lemon on the air fryer tilapia fillets before serving.
Olive oil spray. A spritz on the fillets before cooking prevents them from sticking to the air fryer basket and helps crisp the outside too.
How to make Air Fryer Tilapia
Printable recipe card at the end of the post.
STEP 1. Mix seasonings
In a small bowl combine the kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and garlic powder. Stir to mix together.
STEP 2. Season the tilapia
Pat off any excess moisture on the fish fillets with a paper towel. Sprinkle on the seasoning on both sides of the fillets (photo 1). Spritz lightly with olive oil spray.
STEP 3. Air Fry
Place the prepared tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (photo 2). Cook at 390 for 7-8 minutes (flipping over halfway through cooking) or until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145 degrees F. The fish will be opaque and flaky (photo 3).
STEP 4. Add lemon juice
Remove from the air fryer and transfer to dining plates. Give the air fryer fish a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve!
Expert Tip
Use an instant-read thermometer for food. The most accurate way to determine if meat or fish is done is by taking the internal temperature of the food.
Using an instant read thermometer does this immediate so the food doesn't begin to cool while waiting for the reading as can happen with a traditional meat thermometer.
Air fryer cooking. Every brand, type and size of air fryer cooks slightly differently. Monitor the air fryer fish recipe during the air frying cooking process and adjust as needed.
The best way to know to do this is by taking the internal temperature of the tasty fish. This recipe was developed using a Cosori 5.8 quart XL 1700 watt air fryer.
How to Store
Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 390 for 3 minutes or until warmed through or in the microwave.
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Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 4-ounce filets tilapia fresh filets or frozen and thawed filets
- olive oil spray
- ½ lemon to squeeze on before serving
Instructions
- Combine the kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix to combine.¼ teaspoon kosher salt, Pinch freshly ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pat the tilapia filets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season with the blended seasoning on both sides of the filets.2 4-ounce filets tilapia
Lightly spritz the filets (both sides) with olive oil spray. This keeps them from sticking to the air fryer basket and helps crisp the outside.
Transfer the tilapia to the air fryer basket.
olive oil spray- Cook at 390 degrees F for 7-8 minutes (flipping halfway through) or until the internal temperature is 145 degrees F.
- Remove from the air fryer basket, squeeze the lemon on top and enjoy.
Notes
Note on air fryer cooking: every brand, style and size of air fryer cook slightly differently. Always monitor the food in your air fryer to assess doneness. The fish is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
If cooking fillets larger than 4 ounces: adjust the cooking time by increasing it by 1 to 2 minutes until the fish reaches 145 degrees F internal temperature.
How to store leftovers
Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 390 for 3 minutes or until warmed through or in the microwave.