Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat very dry with paper towels. Frozen fillets cooked directly in the air fryer will release too much moisture and won't develop that desirable crispy exterior.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can absolutely make this recipe in an oven! Preheat to 425°F and bake the fish on a lined baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. The texture won't be quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be wonderful.

Can I make this with other types of fish?

Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with other white fish like cod, sole, or flounder. Just adjust cooking time slightly for thicker fillets (add 1-2 minutes) or thinner fillets (reduce by 1-2 minutes).

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets. The spice rub contains no sugar, and the sauce is primarily fat-based.

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets (4-6 ounces each); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Description

This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful main course made with tender tilapia fillets seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and salt, finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Enjoy crispy and flaky fish in just minutes with minimal oil, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Tilapia

- 4 tilapia fillets (4-6 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

1/4 cup butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Tilapia Fillets: Pat dry the tilapia fillets using paper towels. This helps achieve a crisp exterior during air frying.
Season the Fish: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Using your hands, rub the spice mix evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet.
Air Fry Tilapia: Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Make Lemon Butter Sauce: While the tilapia is cooking, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Whisk until well blended.
Finish and Serve: Once the tilapia is cooked, brush each fillet generously with the lemon butter sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

To Store: Leftovers can be refrigerated, covered, for up to three days.
To Freeze: Place cooked and cooled tilapia in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months.
To Reheat: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes until crispy around the edges.
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix.
- Cajun: Use Cajun or keto taco seasoning instead of the spice mix.
- Blackened: Substitute with a blackened seasoning or follow a blackened tilapia recipe.
- Teriyaki: Dredge fillets in teriyaki sauce for ten minutes before air frying.
- Lemon pepper: Rub 1/2 large juiced lemon and black peppercorns over the fish before cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tilapia fillet with sauce
Calories: 210
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 75mg