Easy Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia (Fresh or Frozen!)
This tender and flaky chili lime air fryer tilapia is cooked to perfection in the air fryer or oven in under 15 minutes for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Enjoy in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or on its own!
Servings: 2 servings
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
Leftovers: It’s best served right away, however, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat and use in burritos, tacos, rice bowls, and more.
Freezing: To freeze cooked tilapia, wait for it to cool completely. Store in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 4 months. When ready to eat again, defrost in the refrigerator completely before heating it up.
Reheating: The best way to reheat leftover tilapia is to use the same method it was originally cooked with. Place back in the oven or the air fryer at the same temperature for up to 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cooked fillet | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 705mg | Potassium: 571mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 593IU | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg