You’ve likely experienced the dinner dilemma—you need something nutritious and delicious, but time isn’t on your side.
That’s where air fryer tilapia comes to the rescue.
In just 8-12 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy fish with tender, flaky centers.
From classic lemon herb to tropical coconut-crusted variations, these ten recipes transform simple tilapia into impressive meals with minimal effort.
The best part? They’re healthier than traditional fried fish but don’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor.
Classic Lemon Herb Air Fryer Tilapia
This Classic Lemon Herb Air Fryer Tilapia delivers perfectly flaky fish with bright citrus flavors and aromatic herbs in just minutes.
The air fryer creates a beautiful exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender – a quick and healthy weeknight dinner option that’s both elegant and effortless.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a plate.
Step 4: Brush both sides of each fillet generously with the lemon herb mixture.
Step 5: Place the tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 6: Place 1-2 lemon slices on top of each fillet.
Step 7: Cook for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 8: Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Spicy Cajun Crusted Tilapia Fillets
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these crispy, spicy Cajun Crusted Tilapia Fillets. The air fryer creates a perfectly crunchy exterior while keeping the fish tender and moist inside. This flavorful dish comes together in just minutes, making it an ideal option for busy evenings when you want something impressive without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
Step 3: Brush each tilapia fillet with olive oil on both sides.
Step 4: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the fish, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5: In another bowl, combine the cornmeal and breadcrumbs. Press each seasoned fillet into the mixture to create a light coating.
Step 6: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 7: Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 8: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Coconut-Crusted Tilapia With Mango Salsa
This tropical-inspired air fryer tilapia dish brings together the delicate flavor of fish with a crispy coconut coating and fresh mango salsa. The combination creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors – crispy exterior, tender fish, and sweet-tangy salsa – all coming together in a quick, healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (for color)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the mango salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the fish.
Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Step 5: Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary). Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Step 6: Cook for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. There’s no need to flip the fillets.
Step 7: Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer and serve immediately topped with the prepared mango salsa.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 440mg
Garlic Parmesan Tilapia Bites
These crispy, bite-sized tilapia pieces are coated with a savory garlic Parmesan crust and air-fried to perfection. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they make an excellent appetizer or main dish when paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat dry the tilapia pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried parsley, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the egg with olive oil.
Step 4: Dip each tilapia piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated tilapia pieces in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece. You may need to cook in batches.
Step 7: Lightly spray the tops of the tilapia bites with cooking spray.
Step 8: Cook for 7-9 minutes until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork, flipping halfway through cooking time.
Step 9: Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 265
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Tilapia
This Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Tilapia brings the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean coast right to your dinner table. With a crispy herb coating and perfectly flaky fish, this air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just minutes while keeping the dish light and healthy.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and set aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
Step 4: In a separate shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Brush each tilapia fillet with the olive oil mixture on both sides, then press into the herb breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated fillets in the basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
Step 7: Cook for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. There’s no need to flip the fish.
Step 8: Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Crispy Honey Mustard Tilapia
This air fryer tilapia recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard flavors, all wrapped in a crispy golden crust. Ready in just minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that combines health and flavor without the mess of traditional frying.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 4: In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and paprika. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with oil.
Step 5: Brush each tilapia fillet generously with the honey mustard mixture on both sides.
Step 6: Press the fillets into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
Step 7: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded fillets in the basket in a single layer, without overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary).
Step 8: Spray the tops of the fillets lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Step 9: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
Step 10: Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Zesty Lime and Cilantro Tilapia
This invigorating air fryer tilapia recipe combines the bright flavors of lime and fresh cilantro to create a light, flavorful dish that’s ready in minutes.
The zesty marinade infuses the fish with a tangy citrus kick while the air fryer guarantees a perfectly flaky texture with minimal oil.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh limes
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
Mix well to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place tilapia fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
Confirm all fillets are well coated. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Place the marinated tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding.
You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 6: Cook for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer and garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Crunchy Cornmeal Crusted Tilapia
This air fryer tilapia recipe delivers the perfect crunch without deep frying. The cornmeal coating creates a golden, crispy exterior while the fish remains tender and flaky inside. Ready in just minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner option that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: In a shallow bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Place beaten eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
Step 5: Dip each tilapia fillet into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Step 6: Dredge the egg-coated fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to all sides.
Step 7: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
Step 8: Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches.
Step 9: Lightly spray the top of the fillets with olive oil spray.
Step 10: Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 11: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Five-Spice Asian Inspired Tilapia
This air fryer tilapia recipe features the aromatic blend of Chinese five-spice powder, giving it a distinctive flavor profile that balances sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami tastes. The tilapia fillets cook quickly in the air fryer, developing a flavorful crust while maintaining a tender, moist interior.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, five-spice powder, garlic powder, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger to create a marinade.
Step 3: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish.
Step 4: Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with the marinade, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Step 5: Let the fillets marinate for at least 10 minutes (longer if time permits).
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Place the tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Step 8: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 9: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving with lime wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 240 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
Buffalo Style Tilapia With Blue Cheese Drizzle
Experience the bold flavors of Buffalo-style tilapia with a cooling blue cheese drizzle, all made healthier in the air fryer. This dish delivers the perfect balance of spicy and tangy notes with the crispy exterior of the tilapia, making it an exciting twist on a fish dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- Celery sticks for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and buffalo sauce.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with the buffalo sauce mixture, then sprinkle the dry seasoning evenly over both sides.
Step 5: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
Step 6: Cook for 8-10 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 7: While the fish is cooking, prepare the blue cheese drizzle by mixing the blue cheese crumbles, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice in a small bowl until well combined.
Step 8: Transfer the cooked tilapia to serving plates, drizzle with the blue cheese sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with celery sticks if desired.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 285 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Fiber: 0g
Final Thoughts
You’ve witnessed how tilapia transforms from ordinary to extraordinary in your air fryer.
While conventional cooking leaves fish soggy and bland, these ten recipes deliver crispy exteriors with tender, flaky centers.
They’re quick yet impressive, simple yet sophisticated.
Whether you’re craving classic lemon herb or adventurous coconut crust, you’ll never sacrifice flavor for convenience again.
Try them tonight—your taste buds will thank you, but your oven won’t miss you!
