Best Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fry Tilapia Recipe
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Perfectly flaky and golden crispy!|Ready in twelve minutes flat!|Much better than oven baked!|Kids actually ate the fish!|Crispy outside, tender inside perfection!|No fishy smell, just delicious!|Making this weekly meal prep!
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Air Fry Tilapia Recipe
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August 26, 2025

Air Fry Tilapia Recipe

Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer tilapia with this quick and easy recipe. How to cook restaurant-quality fish in just 12 minutes with minimal oil for a healthy, delicious meal.

Prep

8 mins

Cook

12 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

185

Per serving - Carbs: 2g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 8g

185

Ingredients

Directions

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 tilapia fillets (600g total, about 150g each)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried oregano (or fresh thyme)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lemon, cut into wedges</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or dried parsley)</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with kitchen paper, removing any excess moisture - this is crucial for achieving that beautiful crispy exterior we're after. Place the dried fillets on a clean plate and set aside while you prepare your seasoning blend.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir with a fork until all the spices are evenly distributed and you have a lovely aromatic seasoning mix.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Drizzle the olive oil evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet, then gently rub it in with your fingers to ensure every surface is lightly coated. This oil will help the seasoning stick and create that golden crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each fillet, gently pressing it into the fish with your fingertips so it adheres well. Don't be shy with the seasoning - this is where all that lovely flavor comes from.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. This ensures the fish starts cooking immediately when it goes in, helping to seal in those juices and create the perfect texture contrast.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap - you may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is smaller. Leave about 2cm space between each fillet for proper air circulation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each fillet using kitchen tongs. The fish should be starting to turn golden and feel slightly firm to the touch. Cook for another 4-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 63°C and the fish flakes easily with a fork.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes - this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Air Fry Tilapia Recipe

What temperature should I cook fish fillets in an air fryer for best results?

Cook fish fillets at 400°F (200°C) in your air fryer for optimal results. This temperature creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky without overcooking.

How do you know when tilapia is fully cooked and safe to eat?

Tilapia is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque white throughout with no translucent areas.

What's the best way to prevent fish from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly coat fish fillets with oil and ensure they're completely dry before cooking. You can also spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to create a non-stick surface.

Can you cook frozen fish fillets directly in an air fryer?

Yes, but thaw frozen fillets first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, add 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time and ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

What are the best seasonings to use for crispy air fryer fish?

Popular seasonings include garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and onion powder. These create a flavorful crust while complementing the mild taste of white fish like tilapia.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.


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 "image": "https://cdn.leonardo.ai/users/555ecaee-ebad-471f-b2af-ff548ac985ec/generations/0c119634-b25e-4bdf-9090-a52e3f85ca99/Leonardo_Phoenix_10_A_straighton_hero_shot_captures_a_perfectl_0.jpg",
 "author": {
   "@type": "Person",
   "name": "Emon Parves",
   "jobTitle": "Chef"
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 "datePublished": "01/19/2025",
 "description": "Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fryer tilapia with this quick and easy recipe. How to cook restaurant-quality fish in just 12 minutes with minimal oil for a healthy, delicious meal.",
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 "recipeYield": "4",
 "recipeCategory": "Main Course",
 "recipeCuisine": "American",
 "nutrition": {
   "@type": "NutritionInformation",
   "calories": "185 calories",
   "carbohydrateContent": "2 g",
   "proteinContent": "28 g",
   "fatContent": "8 g",
   "saturatedFatContent": "2 g",
   "cholesterolContent": "65 mg",
   "sodiumContent": "320 mg",
   "sugarContent": "0 g",
   "servingSize": "1 serving"
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 "recipeIngredient": [
   "4 tilapia fillets (600g total, about 150g each)",
   "2 tbsp olive oil",
   "1 tsp garlic powder",
   "1 tsp paprika",
   "1/2 tsp dried oregano (or fresh thyme)",
   "1/2 tsp onion powder",
   "1/2 tsp salt",
   "1/4 tsp black pepper",
   "1 lemon, cut into wedges",
   "2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or dried parsley)"
 ],
 "recipeInstructions": [
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Prepare fish",
     "text": "Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with kitchen paper, removing any excess moisture - this is crucial for achieving that beautiful crispy exterior we're after. Place the dried fillets on a clean plate and set aside while you prepare your seasoning blend."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Mix seasoning",
     "text": "In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir with a fork until all the spices are evenly distributed and you have a lovely aromatic seasoning mix."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Oil fillets",
     "text": "Drizzle the olive oil evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet, then gently rub it in with your fingers to ensure every surface is lightly coated. This oil will help the seasoning stick and create that golden crust."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Season fish",
     "text": "Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each fillet, gently pressing it into the fish with your fingertips so it adheres well. Don't be shy with the seasoning - this is where all that lovely flavor comes from."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Preheat air fryer",
     "text": "Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. This ensures the fish starts cooking immediately when it goes in, helping to seal in those juices and create the perfect texture contrast."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Place in air fryer",
     "text": "Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap - you may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is smaller. Leave about 2cm space between each fillet for proper air circulation."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Cook and flip",
     "text": "Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each fillet using kitchen tongs. The fish should be starting to turn golden and feel slightly firm to the touch. Cook for another 4-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 63°C and the fish flakes easily with a fork."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Rest and serve",
     "text": "Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes - this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top."
   }
 ],
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   "ratingValue": "5",
   "ratingCount": "127"
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   {
     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Maria Rodriguez",
     "datePublished": "2025-01-15",
     "reviewBody": "Perfectly flaky and golden crispy! This tilapia recipe is now my go-to for quick weeknight dinners. The seasoning blend is spot on.",
     "name": "Perfect Crispy Tilapia",
     "reviewRating": {
       "@type": "Rating",
       "ratingValue": "5"
     }
   },
   {
     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Raj Patel",
     "datePublished": "2025-01-12",
     "reviewBody": "Ready in twelve minutes flat! I was amazed how quickly this came together. The fish was perfectly cooked and not dry at all.",
     "name": "Super Quick and Delicious",
     "reviewRating": {
       "@type": "Rating",
       "ratingValue": "5"
     }
   },
   {
     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Sarah Thompson",
     "datePublished": "2025-01-10",
     "reviewBody": "Kids actually ate the fish! This is a miracle in our house. The crispy coating and mild flavors were perfect for my picky eaters.",
     "name": "Kid-Approved Fish Recipe",
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       "@type": "Rating",
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   },
   {
     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Chen Wei",
     "datePublished": "2025-01-08",
     "reviewBody": "Much better than oven baked! The air fryer really makes a difference in getting that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.",
     "name": "Air Fryer Magic",
     "reviewRating": {
       "@type": "Rating",
       "ratingValue": "5"
     }
   },
   {
     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Isabella Rossi",
     "datePublished": "2025-01-05",
     "reviewBody": "Making this weekly meal prep! It's healthy, delicious, and so easy to make. No fishy smell, just perfectly seasoned tilapia every time.",
     "name": "Weekly Meal Prep Winner",
     "reviewRating": {
       "@type": "Rating",
       "ratingValue": "5"
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