How long should I air fry tilapia?

The ideal time to air fry tilapia is 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F . Thinner fillets may finish in 8 minutes, while thicker cuts might take closer to 12. There's no need to flip unless you prefer crisp on both sides. For an extra kick, season your fillets with blackened spice before cooking, similar to how you'd prepare spicy air fryer sausage .

How much time to cook fish in an air fryer?

Most fish fillets, including tilapia, cook in 8 to 12 minutes depending on thickness and temperature. Always preheat your air fryer and check the internal temperature—it should reach 145°F in the thickest part. Want another fast protein? Try air fryer salmon from frozen

Is tilapia better in the oven or air fryer?

Tilapia cooks better in the air fryer for both texture and speed . In the oven, tilapia can take up to 20 minutes and sometimes dries out. The air fryer crisps the edges while keeping the center moist—and it takes only half the time.

What is the best cooking method for tilapia?

The best method is air frying , hands down. It's faster, cleaner, and delivers consistent results. There's no pan to wash and no oil splatter to clean up. Plus, you can season it however you like—Cajun, lemon-pepper, or taco-style.

Tilapia in Air Fryer – 12-Min Tasty Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Tilapia in Air Fryer – 12-Minute Irresistible Recipe You’ll Love
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; Zest of 1/2 lemon; Optional: lemon juice and parsley for garnish

Description

Tilapia in air fryer is the easiest way to make crispy, flaky fish in just 12 minutes. No breading needed, just bold seasoning and a hot air fryer!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed)

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

Zest of 1/2 lemon

Optional: lemon juice & parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pat fillets dry with a paper towel.

2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.

3. Brush or drizzle olive oil over both sides of fish.

4. Mix and sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest over both fillets.

5. Place tilapia in air fryer basket in a single layer.

6. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until fish is crisp and flakes easily with a fork.

7. Serve hot with lemon juice and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

No need to flip fillets unless you want extra crisp.

For a spicier version, use Cajun seasoning.

Serve with roasted veggies, rice bowls, or tacos.

Prep Time: 3 min
Cook Time: 12 min
Category: Air Fryer Recipes
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 115
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 55mg