Air Fryer Tilapia

This easy Air Fryer Tilapia is crispy, flavorful, and ready in about 15 minutes. Make it with a light panko or cornmeal coating for extra crunch, or skip the breading for a simple low-carb option

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Air fryer tilapia, tilapia in air fryer

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 9

Total Time 14

Servings 4 people

Calories 180kcal

Equipment

Ai Fryer
Small bowl
pastry brush

Instructions

Brush both sides of each fillet lightly with olive oil.
Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then season both sides of the tilapia evenly.
For breaded tilapia, lightly press each fillet into 2–3 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs or fine cornmeal, coating both sides.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to help prevent sticking.
Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes. No flipping is needed for fresh or thawed fillets.
Check that the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For the most accurate result, the thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C).
Remove from the air fryer, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always pat the tilapia dry before seasoning for the crispiest texture.
For a low-carb version, simply skip the panko or cornmeal.
Panko gives the fish a light, extra-crispy coating, while cornmeal gives it a more traditional Southern-style crunch.
Air fryer models can vary, so check the fish a minute or two early the first time you make it.
For thicker fillets over 1 inch, cooking may take about 9–11 minutes.
If using frozen tilapia, cook directly from frozen at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add the oil and seasoning once the surface has thawed enough for them to stick.
For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Leftover tilapia can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes instead of using the microwave to help maintain the texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 tilapia fillet
Calories: ~180 kcal
Protein: ~30 g
Fat: ~7 g
Carbohydrates: ~1 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: ~350 mg

My special tip: Always pat the tilapia completely dry before adding the oil and seasoning. This simple step helps the outside crisp up beautifully instead of steaming in the air fryer.”