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This Air Fryer Tilapia is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that comes together in under 15 minutes! With a zesty chili-lime seasoning and perfectly flaky texture, it’s the kind of meal your entire family will love, whether you use fresh or frozen fish.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
This is my go-to fish recipe for busy weeknights when I want something simple but satisfying. The air fryer does an amazing job crisping up the edges while keeping the inside moist and tender. And unlike heavier fish like salmon or tuna, tilapia has a mild flavor that takes on any seasoning you like, so it’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or light summer dinners.
Tilapia is rich in protein, low in calories, and perfect for high-protein, gluten-free dinners. I tested this easy air fryer tilapia recipe using both fresh and frozen fillets, and each time the result was juicy, well-seasoned fish that flaked easily with a fork. You’ll also find an oven version included if you don’t have an air fryer handy!
If you love air fryer fish meals, you’ll also want to check out my Air Fryer Frozen Salmon or this Quick and Easy Teriyaki Salmon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tilapia fillets: A tender white fish that cooks quickly and is naturally mild in taste. You can use fresh or frozen (see notes below).
- Chili powder: Brings warmth and spice to the seasoning mixture.
- Cumin: Adds a touch of earthiness.
- Garlic powder & oregano: For depth and balance.
- Sea salt & black pepper
- Lime zest & juice: Brightens the flavor and complements the spices beautifully.
- Olive oil spray: Prevents sticking and promotes light crisping in the air fryer.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap tilapia with cod, halibut, or snapper.
- Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use taco seasoning for a shortcut spice blend.
- Try smoked paprika instead of chili powder.
- Add chopped cilantro or parsley at the end for a fresh herb flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Tilapia
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Some models don’t require it, but I always do for even results. Grease your air fryer basket or tray with olive oil spray. This helps the fish cook in a single layer without sticking. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is key for getting a crispy exterior.
Step 2: In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Rub the seasoning mixture onto all sides of the fish, gently pressing to help it adhere. Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Step 4: Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and serve warm.
If you’re cooking from frozen, add 3–5 extra minutes to the cooking time and ensure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F using a meat thermometer.
Oven Method Instructions
No air fryer? No problem!
Step 3: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky. This method yields equally flavorful results, just with a softer texture.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Follow the same prep steps (drying, seasoning), then lay the fillets on the pan.
Serving Suggestions
This flaky fish is incredibly versatile! Try serving it:
- In fish tacos with cabbage slaw and avocado.
- Over a burrito or rice bowl with cilantro lime or cauliflower rice.
- In chopped salads with lime vinaigrette or on top of this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
- Alongside roasted vegetables or green beans.
- With plantains and salsa for a tropical twist.
- Drizzled with pineapple habanero sauce for a spicy-sweet kick
Because of its mild taste and fast cooking time, it’s also a great protein for meal prepping, just be mindful of reheating (see below).
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 4 months.
- To reheat, use the air fryer or oven to avoid drying out. Reheat at 350°F for 6–10 minutes until warmed through.
- Tilapia is best served fresh, so if you’re making this for a small group, consider cooking just what you need.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Just add 3–5 extra minutes of cook time and ensure it’s fully cooked and flakes with a fork.
It should be opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Nope! As long as your air fryer is preheated and the fillets are in a single layer, flipping isn’t necessary.
Absolutely. Cod and halibut are both great substitutions for this easy air fryer recipe.
Try smoked paprika or your favorite taco seasoning. Tilapia is a mild fish that adapts well to different spices.
This air fryer tilapia recipe is the kind of weeknight meal that checks all the boxes: fast, healthy, flexible, and delicious. If you make it, let me know how you served it! Did it go into tacos, bowls, or salads? Leave a comment and tag me on Instagram!
You might also love this bold and crispy Air Fryer Tonkatsu, another family-favorite from the air fryer!
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash with Bacon
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
If you make this recipe, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for even more delicious recipes!
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia (Fresh or Frozen!)
Ingredients
- 12 oz tilapia fillets, 6-8 oz each
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Lime zest from 1 lime
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
Air Fryer Method
- If your air fryer needs preheating, preheat to 400 degrees F. Grease the air fryer basket or tray with your favorite cooking oil. Pat dry the tilapia fillets with a paper towel.12 oz tilapia fillets
- In a small bowl, combine all the spices, except lime juice, and stir together. Press the spice mix into the fish on all sides.2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, Lime zest from 1 lime
- Cook the fish in the air fryer without touching each other for 8-10 minutes, until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Drizzle with lime juice and serve immediately.Juice of ½ lime
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a baking sheet with your favorite cooking oil. Pat dry the tilapia fillets with a paper towel.12 oz tilapia fillets
- In a small bowl, combine all the spices, except lime juice, and stir together. Press the spice mix into the fish on all sides.2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, Lime zest from 1 lime
- Place the fish on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Drizzle with lime juice and serve immediately.Juice of ½ lime
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Absolutely delicious and so fast. I used grouper instead and it was great. We had it with wild rice and a salad and made grouper sandwiches with it the next day.
Wow, making a sandwich with it sounds delicious!!
This was very good thank you
We made this tonight and it was so easy, light, delicious and flavorful. We opted for the baked version and the timing was perfect at 400 degrees for 13 minutes – the fish came out perfectly flakey and to drizzle of lime
Juice highlighted the seasoning nicely. We paired with WhatGreatGrandmaAte’s Cauliflower Mexican Rice along with Sautéed Onions & Bell Peppers. Definitely will make again!
This was good, though a little too seasoned on the thinner part of the filet. I recommended focusing on the thicker parts of the fish with the bulk of the seasoning. Very good though!
i didn’t make it but i looks YUMMERS