Go Back
15 Easy Air Fryer Tilapia Recipes (Quick & Crispy)

Classic Air Fryer Tilapia

Tender, flaky tilapia is coated in a simple paprika-garlic seasoning and air-fried until lightly crisp. This flexible base recipe is ready in roughly 20 to 25 minutes and can be adapted into any of the 15 flavor variations below.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 fillets, 4-6 ounces each Tilapia fillets, thawed and patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil or olive-oil spray
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Serving
  • 1 cut into wedges Lemon

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes if your model requires preheating. Pat the thawed tilapia very dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks and the fish does not steam.
  2. Brush both sides of the fillets lightly with olive oil or coat them with olive-oil spray. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides.
  3. Arrange the seasoned tilapia in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces for hot air to circulate. Cook at 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness and the air fryer model.
  4. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer and remove the fish when it reaches 145°F. The fillets should flake easily with a fork; serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Thicker fillets may need 12 to 14 minutes. Turning is usually not necessary, although carefully turning halfway can improve browning. Cook in batches if the basket is crowded.