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Best Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe (Crispy & Flaky Every Time)

This Quick 15-Minute Air Fryer Tilapia recipe delivers perfectly crispy, tender, and flavorful fish with minimal effort. Healthy, delicious, and ready faster than takeout!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tilapia fillets about 6 oz each
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  3. Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
  4. Brush each fillet evenly with the seasoned oil mixture on both sides.
  5. Arrange fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
  6. Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  7. Remove carefully and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

For a spicier version, add 1/4 tsp cayenne or use Cajun seasoning. To make in the oven, bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes. Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.