Recipe Snapshot

PREP + COOK TIME: under 20 minutes
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: knife and cutting board, parchment paper
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 9

It’s easy to cook perfectly flaky and delicious fish at home! Air fryer tilapia, made with garlicky seasoning and drizzled in lemon butter, is incredibly simple yet deliciously decadent. Enjoy light and buttery tilapia fillets in just minutes, made right in the air fryer.

What’s To Love About This Recipe

Tilapia is a mild, flaky fish that’s budget-friendly and cooks quickly. You don’t need to be a seafood chef to make flavorful, perfectly cooked fish from your own kitchen.
This recipe combines simple pantry staples with a luxurious lemon butter sauce that tastes gourmet. Tilapia easily absorbs added flavors and won’t taste “fishy.”
You don’t need to spend time breading and frying! This air fryer tilapia dish is naturally gluten-free and a tasty lower-carb option.
Since it cooks in under 10 minutes, it’s so easy to make for a quick lunch or a super-fast dinner.
Not only is tilapia delicious served with your favorite sides, but it’s also a versatile protein for tacos, bowls, salads, and other dishes.
With the air fryer, cleanup is minimal, and you don’t need to worry about stovetop oils or baking.

Ingredients Needed

Lemon wedges (for serving) – Squeeze a lemon wedge over the fish right before eating for extra-zesty flavor!
Tilapia fillets – Tilapia has a mild flavor and is a great, low-maintenance choice for those who are new to cooking fish. If fillets are frozen, thaw them first in a bowl of warm water, or use fresh fillets. Most standard air fryers can hold 2-4 fillets, each weighing 4-6 ounces.
Olive oil – Olive oil helps the seasonings stick to the fish and prevents it from becoming too dry. It also develops a nice golden exterior and adds flavor!
Garlic powder – A hint of garlic deepens the flavor during cooking.
Paprika – Paprika brings a burst of color and adds a hint of smoky flavor.
Salt and black pepper – Complete the simple seasoning with a bit of salt and cracked black pepper.
Unsalted butter (melted) – Melted butter adds decadence to the finished tilapia and pairs perfectly with the tangy flavor of lemon juice.
Fresh lemon juice – Lemon juice adds a fresh element to the buttery fish.
Fresh parsley (optional) – Adding fresh parsley is a nice pop of freshness and color.

ingredients for air fryer tilapia to include 4 tilapia filet on wooden cutting board, surrounded by a bottle of olive oil, white bowl of melted butter, bowl of pepper, white bowl of garlic, bowl of paprika, bowl of salt, whole lemon, sprig of parsley

How To Make Air Fryer Tilapia

Preheat the air fryer to 400 ℉.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil.

four tilapia filet on parchment lined wooden cutting board, small bowl of melted butter and tilapia brushed with butter with white brush

In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the fillets.

small white bowl of paprika and garlic powder, with small wooden bowls of salt and pepper with wooden spoons

4 tilapia filet on parchment lined wooden cutting board that have been seasoned with mixture

Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 ℉.

4 seasoned and air fried tilapia filet in air fryer

While the fish is cooking, combine melted butter and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Once cooked, drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the fillets and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

small bowl of melted butter, whole lemon, sprig of parsley, and small portion of dish of air fried tilapia

Pro Tips

Pat the fish dry for better texture and to allow the seasoning to adhere better.
To prevent sticking to the air fryer basket, use parchment paper or a light coating of oil spray.
Be sure to flip the fillets halfway through for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Allow space for airflow between the fillets and cook in batches as needed.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Swap tilapia fillets with cod, swai, or another mild white fish. Simply ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 ℉.
Use fresh or thawed-from-frozen tilapia fillets.
Try other flavors such as Cajun spice, taco seasoning, blackened seasoning mix, or Italian seasoning.
To add a light breading, mix panko breadcrumbs with the seasonings or add grated parmesan for a light crust.

How To Serve Air Fryer Tilapia

Air fryer tilapia is a tasty and simple entrée that can be served with various sides that complement its buttery, lemony flavors.

Make a quick batch of Instant Pot Basmati Rice, Quinoa, or add a side of Mashed Potatoes. Add a fresh salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables on the side for a balanced plate.

Tilapia is a versatile protein that can be used in other recipes as well! Other ways to use tilapia from the air fryer include:

Fish tacos with cabbage
Grain bowls with Simple + Easy Instant Pot Farro and vegetables
Or serve as a fish sandwich with a side of Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges and your favorite dipping sauce!

closeup of tilapia filet on white plate with lemon slices and parsley snips and gold fork

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 2-3 minutes, or microwave gently at 50% power in short bursts.