Air Fryer Tilapia

5 from 2 votes

This Air Fryer Tilapia is quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a nutritious dish with two tasty spice rub options!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Keyword: air fryer tilapia, tilapia in air fryer

Servings: servings

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $12.56

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

Mexican-Inspired Spice Blend

3 to 4 tilapia filets 6 ounces each; 1 pound total
2 teaspoons paprika
1-1/4 teaspoons ground chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
Cooking spray for serving
1 lime for serving
Serving suggestions see note 1

Cajun-Inspired Spice Blend

3 to 4 tilapia filets 6 ounces each; 1 pound total
1-1/2 tablespoons paprika
1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking spray for serving
1 lemon for serving

US - Metric

Instructions

If frozen, thaw according to package directions (see note 2), then pat dry with paper towels. If fresh, rinse under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Preheat air fryer at 400℉ for 3 minutes (run on empty).
Combine all listed spices under either Mexican-inspired or Cajun-inspired spice blend in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil and mix until you have a thick paste.
Rub the seasoning paste evenly over both sides of the tilapia filets and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place filets in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 7–10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork (145°F internal temperature is recommended). Remove and drizzle with lemon or lime juice, or see note 1 for more serving suggestions. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note 1: For more serving suggestions, check out the blog post for lots of ideas on how to serve these fish recipes.

Here’s my favorite quickest way to serve the tilapia with either spice rub:
- I grab hard taco shells or tostada shells and spread each side with store-bought mashed avocado or guac, then break apart the fish and add it in/on top. Sprinkle on some crunchy iceberg lettuce or a quick slaw, drizzle on some more lemon or lime, and dig in!
If making the cajun-inspired tilapia, I love it with this quick tartar sauce:
- Stir together the following in a small bowl: 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 cup full-fat mayo, 1-1/2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp Dijon-style mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/8 tsp each of salt and pepper.
If making the Mexican-inspired tilapia, I love it with this Cilantro Lime Sauce.

Note 2: To thaw, remove fillets from vacuum wrap. Place fillets in a bowl of cool water until completely thawed or place in the fridge for 24 hours until thawed.

Storage: Best eaten right out of the air fryer!

Nutrition