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Plate of golden-brown air fryer tilapia with lemon and fresh herbs.

Speedy Air Fryer Tilapia: Crispy, Flaky, Flavor-Packed Dinner

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Unlock the secret to a perfectly cooked, incredibly crispy, and delightfully flaky tilapia fillet in mere minutes with your air fryer! This recipe is designed for those busy weeknights when you crave a healthy, satisfying meal without spending an eternity in the kitchen. Seasoned to perfection and air-fried until golden, this tilapia is a game-changer for quick and delicious seafood. It’s a fantastic main course that pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice, making healthy eating effortlessly tasty.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each, thawed if frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving that desired crispy texture.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), sea salt, and black pepper to create your seasoning blend.
  3. Lightly brush or drizzle each tilapia fillet with olive oil, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, generously sprinkle the seasoning blend over both sides of each fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  6. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and your air fryer model. The fish is done when it's opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork, and has a beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior.
  7. Carefully remove the cooked tilapia from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure your fillets are completely dry before seasoning. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for optimal air circulation. This recipe is also fantastic with other white fish like cod or haddock. Feel free to adjust the spice blend to your preference – a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon also works wonderfully!

  • Author: Cook Reel ™
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Quick & Healthy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Find it online: https://cookreel.com/crispy-air-fryer-tilapia-recipe-fast/

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