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air fryer tilapia recipe
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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Our air fryer tilapia recipe is a simple yet delicious solution to weeknight dinners and impromptu gatherings. Combining fresh tilapia fillets with a blend of herbs and spices, this recipe results in a dish that is crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and brimming with flavor.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Marinating20 minutes
Total Time48 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: African, American, Caribbean, Southeast Asian
Servings: 2
Calories: 216kcal
Author: Val

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Spatula
  • Paper towels
  • Marinating plate
  • Container for the breading mixture

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the tilapia fillets on a marinating plate. Sprinkle a mixture of salt and sugar over them. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
  • The salt and sugar will extract any excess moisture from the fish fillets, enhance their flavor, and make the surface denser. This will result in a firmer crust during cooking and make it easier to serve the fillets without breaking apart.
  • In another plate or container, mix together the bread crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. No need to add salt since it was already in the marinade.
  • Once the excess moisture has been drawn out from the fish fillets, gently rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry using paper towels.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC).
  • Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on both sides of the fillets and carefully place them in the air fryer basket using a spatula. If you have culinary spray, lightly spray the surface of the fillets for a crispier texture and added aroma.
  • Cook the fish for 8-10 minutes without flipping.
    Note: Tilapia fillets are very delicate; the cooking time may vary depending on their thickness. For small tilapia fillets, 8 minutes should suffice.
  • Once the tilapia is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 743mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 77IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg