Air Fryer Tilapia
Ready in about 14 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Light, flaky tilapia with a gentle seasoning and fast cook time. A great budget-friendly fish dinner for busy nights.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 lemon, to serve
Method
- 1Pat the fillets dry and brush with the oil.
- 2Season with the salt, pepper and paprika.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F.
- 4Air fry for 8-10 minutes until flaky and cooked through.
- 5Finish with lemon and serve.
Tips for the best results
- Delicate fillets are easier to lift with a thin spatula.
- Check early because thin tilapia cooks fast.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer tilapia steams instead of browning.
- Pulling air fryer tilapia the moment the timer ends without checking the centre.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Tilapia is ready at 63°C / 145°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer tilapia?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer tilapia is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Tilapia should reach 63°C / 145°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer tilapia serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.