Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender tilapia fillets seasoned with garlic, herbs, and lemon, cooked to perfection in an air fryer in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 oz Tilapia Fillets (skinless and boneless)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt (Kosher salt preferred)
- Black Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil (for spraying or brushing)
- Fresh Lemon (slices for basket, juice for garnish)
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. If fillets are very large, cut them in half crosswise.
- Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- Lightly spray or brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the fish, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place thin slices of lemon at the bottom of the air fryer basket to infuse flavor and prevent sticking.
- Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check the fish at the 7-minute mark; it is done when opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from air fryer, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure fish is completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Tilapia cooks quickly, so check at 7 minutes to avoid drying out. If using frozen fillets, thaw completely and pat dry. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 4-
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 25
Keywords: air fryer tilapia, lemon tilapia, healthy fish recipe, quick weeknight dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, high-protein