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overhead shot of white platter with 4 tilapia filet, 3 slices of lemon and parsley on top, surrounded by blue and white napkin and sprig of parsley
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Air Fryer Tilapia with Garlic & Lemon Butter

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.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 250kcal
Author Jennifer Draper

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets 4-6 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 400 ℉
  • Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels
  • Brush both sides of fillets with olive oil
  • In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper
  • Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of fillets
  • Place fillets in air fryer basket in a single layer
  • Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 ℉
  • While fish is cooking, combine melted butter and lemon juice in a small bowl
  • Once cooked, drizzle lemon butter sauce over fillets and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired
  • Serve immediately with lemon wedges

Notes

  • Storing leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350 ℉ for 2-3 minutes, or microwave gently at 50% power in short increments to prevent overcooking.
  • Pat the tilapia dry to achieve the best texture and help the seasoning adhere to the fish.
  • Use parchment paper or a light oil spray to prevent fish from sticking to the basket.
  • Leave space between each piece or cook in batches to allow airflow for even cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 381mg | Potassium: 548mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 507IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg