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15-Minute Air Fryer Tilapia: Crispy, Flaky Perfection Recipe

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4.3 from 60 reviews

This 15-Minute Air Fryer Tilapia recipe delivers crispy, flaky fish fillets that are perfectly seasoned and cooked quickly using an air fryer. Ideal for a healthy and easy dinner, the tilapia is brushed with olive oil and a flavorful spice blend, then air fried to golden perfection. With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights while keeping the meal low in calories and rich in protein.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tilapia and Seasoning

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crispy cooking.
  2. Prepare Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the oil and seasoning stick better and to achieve crispy edges.
  3. Oil the Fillets: Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with olive oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking during cooking.
  4. Season: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Sprinkle this spice mix evenly over both sides of the tilapia fillets to infuse flavor.
  5. Arrange for Cooking: Place the seasoned fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and cook the fish evenly.
  6. Air Fry: Cook the fillets for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and flake easily when tested with a fork.
  7. Serve: Remove the crispy tilapia from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
  • For extra crispiness, lightly spray the fillets with cooking oil before air frying.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie