Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy healthy fish recipe, this Air Fryer Tilapia is just what you need!

Tilapia is a white fish with mild flavor that the entire family will like. (Mine does!) Its mild flavor takes on the seasoning blend you use to make it a tasty fish!

It’s low calorie, low carb, and high protein. It also provides iron, vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and magnesium. It’s not high in essential omega 3 fatty acids the way salmon is, but it’s still a great main entree for an easy dinner!

It took me a long time, but I’m falling in love with using my air fryer. So far I’ve shared a few air fryer recipes: Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets and Air Fryer Asparagus. Add this tilapia air fryer recipe to the growing list! It’s a healthy recipe with a simple seasoning blend that makes a winner of a dinner. You need to make it!

Recipe Ingredients: What You Need

This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you probably have most of the time. Add tilapia to your grocery list and you’ll be all set!

Seasoning Mixture

• 2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Recipe Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• zest from 1 lemon
• avocado oil cooking spray
• lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Air Fryer Tilapia

This is a simple tilapia recipe that will quickly become your go-to! Using your air fryer is the best way to get consistent results

1. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients of the seasoning blend. Set aside.
2. Dry the fish filets. Brush them with the melted butter.
3. Divide the seasoning blend among the four filets and gently press the seasonings down into the fish.
4. Add the lemon zest to the top of the filets. I don’t measure the lemon zest; I simply zest it straight onto the fish.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees. Spray your air fryer basket or trays with cooking spray. Place tilapia on your trays or in your basket in a single layer so they aren’t crowded or overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your fish in batches.
6. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6-10 minutes, until cooked thoroughly and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Exact time will depend in the thickness and size of your fillets and the type of air fryer you have. (I have the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer and that’s what this recipe has been tested with.)

Recipe Tips

1. Wild-caught tilapia is a healthier option if you can find it. It’s hard to find fresh tilapia fish that is wild caught, but I’ve had good luck finding it in the frozen section of my grocery store. I thaw the fish fillets before cooking them in the air fryer.
2. If you have leftover tilapia, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 2-3 days. This could be used for a quick fish tacos dinner!
3. You can substitute another white flaky fish for the tilapia, such as halibut, cod, or grouper.
4. Substitute cajun seasoning for the Montreal Steak Seasoning for a bold, spicy flavor.

Side Dishes for Tilapia

Here are a few of my favorite sides to serve with this delicious Air Fryer Tilapia.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Perfect Rice Pilaf with Vegetables

Find more ideas on what to serve with tilapia here, where I’ve curated over 28 recipes that will go well and make this a healthy meal!

Fish is a healthy dinner option! If you love fish recipes, I have a few more you should check out!

Halibut Recipe with Asparagus (cooked in parchment)

Pan Fried Salmon

Salmon Cakes Recipe

Grilled Salmon Kabobs

If you try this Air Fryer Halibut recipe, or any of my healthy recipes, please share it on Instagram  and I’ll feature you!

Also, if you try it, please leave a comment with a star rating below! Those star ratings are so helpful for my recipes getting discovered by more people searching for healthy recipes.  I appreciate you!

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