Air Fryer Tilapia
Flaky tilapia fillets get brushed with garlic butter, seasoned with smoked paprika, and air fried to juicy perfection in just 10 minutes. Cooking at 400°F keeps the fish tender without drying out, and a squeeze of lemon and parsley adds a fresh finish. It’s a fast, reliable weeknight main with minimal prep and no flipping.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Measuring spoons
- Instant-read thermometer
- Parchment paper liners
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 fillets tilapia fillets about 4–6 oz each, fresh
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
- as needed olive oil spray for basket or liners
Instructions
- Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Combine smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Mix melted butter with minced garlic in a separate bowl.
- Brush both sides of each fillet with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly on both sides and press gently to help it adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Spray the basket with olive oil or line with parchment paper liners.
- Place fillets in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between pieces.
- Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes without flipping; check internal temperature at 9 minutes.
- Remove when the internal temperature reaches 145°F; drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley.
Notes
- Target 400°F for 4–6 oz tilapia fillets; check doneness at 9 minutes as models vary.
- USDA safe internal temperature for fish is 145°F; avoid exceeding 150°F to prevent dryness.
- For frozen fillets, add about 4 minutes and brush butter during the last 3 minutes.
- Pat fish very dry before cooking to avoid soggy texture; use parchment liners to prevent sticking.
- Try Cajun seasoning for heat or lemon-herb (thyme/oregano) for a lighter flavor.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes instead of microwaving.