Are you craving a quick, healthy, and mouthwatering seafood dinner that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare? Look no further than these incredible air fryer tilapia fillets that will transform your weeknight cooking! Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown fish with a burst of garlic and paprika flavor that's so delicious, you'll forget you're eating something nutritious. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who loves amazing meals with minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove tilapia fillets from refrigerator and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure crispy texture.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Brush or evenly coat both sides of the tilapia fillets with the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes to create optimal cooking environment.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Cook the fillets for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Check internal temperature of fish reaches 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Remove fillets from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Always pat the tilapia fillets completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh tilapia fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give each fillet enough space for even cooking.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure your fish reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
- Experiment with different seasonings like Cajun spice, lemon pepper, or herb blends to keep the recipe exciting.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a small pat of butter on top of each fillet before air frying.
- Let the fillets rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juices and enhance flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
