Say goodbye to boring fish dinners! If you’re looking for quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meals that come together in minutes, you’ve landed in the right place. Our collection of 20 air fryer tilapia recipes will transform this versatile fish into crispy, flavorful creations your whole family will love. Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner—let’s dive in!
Garlic Lemon Air Fryer Tilapia
Aren’t you tired of complicated fish recipes that take forever? This garlic lemon tilapia comes together in minutes using your air fryer. You’ll love how easy it is to get that perfect crispy texture without any fuss.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides.
2. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder evenly over both sides of all fillets.
4. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice evenly over the top of each fillet.
5. Season both sides of the fillets with the ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
7. Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
8. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through cooking.
9. Check for doneness – the fish should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork.
10. Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Once you try this, you’ll be amazed by how the crispy edges give way to tender, flaky fish inside. The bright lemon cuts through the rich garlic flavor perfectly, making it feel both light and satisfying. Try serving it over a bed of quinoa with roasted asparagus for a complete meal that looks restaurant-worthy.
Crispy Herb-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia
Sometimes you just need a quick, healthy dinner that feels fancy without the effort. Seriously, this crispy herb-crusted tilapia comes together in minutes and cooks perfectly in your air fryer. You’ll love how the crunchy coating gives way to tender, flaky fish inside.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
Dried parsley – 2 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Paprika – 1 tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Egg – 1 large
All-purpose flour – ½ cup
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
3. Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and whisk it until smooth.
4. Place the flour in a separate shallow bowl.
5. Combine panko breadcrumbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a third shallow bowl.
6. Dredge one tilapia fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
7. Dip the floured fillet into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
8. Press the fillet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 with the remaining fillets.
10. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
11. Arrange the coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
12. Spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray.
13. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
14. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a meat thermometer.
15. Remove when the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Vibrantly golden and satisfyingly crunchy, this tilapia delivers a perfect herb-forward flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon wedges. The contrast between the crisp exterior and moist, flaky interior makes every bite interesting. Try serving it over a bed of quinoa with roasted vegetables for a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Tilapia
Ever tried making restaurant-quality fish at home without the fuss? You’re about to master this spicy Cajun tilapia that comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Cajun seasoning – 2 tbsp
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Lemon – 1
Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides.
2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over all fillets.
3. Rub 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon of salt onto both sides of each fillet.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
5. Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
7. Check for doneness – the fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice from one lemon over the cooked fillets immediately after removing from the air fryer.
9. Let the tilapia rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Vibrant and perfectly flaky, this tilapia delivers a satisfying kick that’s balanced by the bright lemon finish. Try serving it over cilantro-lime rice or stuffing it into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw for an incredible fish taco night your whole family will love.
Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia
Gosh, you know those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This parmesan crusted tilapia comes together so quickly and gives you that satisfying crunch without deep frying.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
All-purpose flour – ½ cup
Eggs – 2 large
Parmesan cheese – ¾ cup, grated
Paprika – 1 tsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Set up three shallow bowls in this order: flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Dip the floured fillet into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip back into the bowl.
5. Press the fillet firmly into the parmesan mixture, coating both sides completely.
6. Lightly spray both sides of the coated fillets with cooking spray.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
8. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
9. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
10. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the coating is golden brown.
11. Let the fillets rest for 2 minutes before serving.
What makes this dish special is that crispy parmesan crust that stays surprisingly crunchy even after cooking. The tilapia stays moist and flaky inside while the cheesy coating adds that savory umami punch. Try serving it over a bed of lemon-dressed greens or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.
Honey Mustard Glazed Air Fryer Tilapia
Honey mustard glazed air fryer tilapia is one of those weeknight lifesavers that comes together in minutes but tastes like you put way more effort in. You get that perfect sweet and tangy combo with minimal cleanup, which honestly feels like a win on busy days. Let’s get that air fryer working!
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Honey – 2 tbsp
Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
Paprika – 1 tsp
Instructions
1. Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides.
2. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
3. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper evenly over both sides of all fillets.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon paprika until smooth.
5. Brush the honey mustard mixture evenly over the top surface of each tilapia fillet.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
7. Arrange tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
8. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
9. Check for doneness at 8 minutes – the internal temperature should reach 145°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
10. Carefully remove fillets from the air fryer using tongs and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Once you pull these from the air fryer, you’ll notice the glaze forms this gorgeous caramelized crust while keeping the fish incredibly moist inside. That honey mustard combo gives you this perfect balance of sweet and tangy that pairs amazingly with simple sides. Try serving it over a bed of quinoa with roasted asparagus for a complete meal that feels fancy but comes together in under 20 minutes.
Lemon Dill Air Fryer Tilapia
Ever find yourself staring at the fridge at 6 PM with zero dinner inspiration? You’re not alone. This lemon dill tilapia comes together in your air fryer in minutes, making weeknight meals feel effortless and fresh.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
Dried dill – 1 tsp
Garlic powder – ½ tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with olive oil.
3. Drizzle lemon juice over the top of each fillet.
4. Sprinkle dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over all fillets.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
6. Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
8. Check for doneness at 8 minutes—the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
9. Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer using tongs.
10. Let the fish rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Here’s why this recipe works so well: the high heat creates a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender. The bright lemon and earthy dill complement the mild tilapia perfectly, making it versatile enough for tacos, salads, or simply served over rice with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Panko Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia
Zesty and perfectly crispy, this panko-crusted tilapia comes together in minutes using your air fryer. You’ll love how the light coating gets golden brown without any deep frying mess. It’s a weeknight dinner win that feels fancy but is seriously simple.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
All-purpose flour – ½ cup
Eggs – 2 large
Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
Paprika – 1 tsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first bowl.
3. Whisk eggs in the second bowl until fully combined.
4. Mix panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the third bowl.
5. Dredge one tilapia fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Dip the floured fillet into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
7. Press the fillet into the panko mixture, ensuring full coverage on both sides.
8. Place the coated fillet on a plate and repeat with remaining fillets.
9. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
10. Arrange two coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
11. Lightly spray both sides of the fillets with cooking spray.
12. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
13. Flip the fillets using tongs after 8 minutes.
14. Spray the flipped sides lightly with cooking spray.
15. Air fry for another 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
16. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a meat thermometer.
17. Remove the cooked fillets and repeat steps 10-16 with remaining two fillets.
Deliciously crunchy outside with tender, flaky fish inside, this tilapia has a satisfying texture contrast. The paprika adds subtle warmth while the garlic powder brings savory depth. Try serving it over a bed of lemon rice or stuffing it into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage for fish tacos.
Chili Lime Air Fryer Tilapia
Wondering how to get perfectly crispy fish without deep frying? This chili lime tilapia comes together in your air fryer with minimal effort. You’ll love the zesty kick and crunchy coating.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Lime juice – 2 tbsp
Chili powder – 1 tsp
Garlic powder – ½ tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil using a pastry brush.
3. Squeeze fresh lime juice evenly over all fillets.
4. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each filfish fillet.
6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
7. Arrange tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
8. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
9. Flip fillets carefully using tongs after 8 minutes.
10. Continue air frying for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
11. Check for doneness by ensuring flesh flakes easily with a fork.
12. Remove fillets from air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Key tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket for maximum crispiness. The chili lime combo creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside moist and flaky. Try serving it over cilantro lime rice or stuffing it into warm tortillas for amazing fish tacos.
Teriyaki Marinated Air Fryer Tilapia
Very few meals come together as quickly and deliciously as this teriyaki marinated tilapia. You’ll love how the sweet-savory glaze caramelizes in the air fryer, creating restaurant-quality results with minimal effort right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4
Soy sauce – ¼ cup
Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Cornstarch – 1 tsp
Instructions
1. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and cornstarch in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves completely. 2. Place tilapia fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each fillet is fully coated. 3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish. 4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes while the fish marinates. 5. Remove tilapia from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and discard the remaining marinade. 6. Arrange tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking. 7. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the edges are crispy and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. 8. Check for doneness by gently flaking the thickest part of a fillet with a fork – it should appear opaque throughout. 9. Let the tilapia rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Out of the air fryer, the tilapia emerges with beautifully caramelized edges and tender, flaky flesh that practically melts in your mouth. The teriyaki marinade creates a glossy, slightly sticky coating that’s both sweet and savory – perfect served over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or stuffed into warm tortillas for fish tacos.
Mediterranean Style Air Fryer Tilapia
Sometimes you just need a healthy dinner that comes together fast. This Mediterranean-style tilapia cooks up perfectly in your air fryer with minimal effort. You’ll love the bright, fresh flavors that make this fish feel fancy but totally approachable.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Dried oregano – 1 tsp
Salt – ¾ tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides.
2. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with olive oil using a pastry brush.
3. Drizzle lemon juice evenly over all fillets.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each fillet.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
6. Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally.
8. Check for doneness at 8 minutes by inserting a fork into the thickest part – if it flakes easily, it’s done.
9. Remove the tilapia from the air fryer using tongs and transfer to serving plates.
Just imagine that flaky, tender fish with the zesty lemon and herby garlic notes shining through. The air fryer gives it a slightly crisp edge while keeping everything moist inside. Try serving it over a bed of couscous with chopped tomatoes and cucumbers for a complete Mediterranean meal that’ll transport you straight to the coast.
Blackened Air Fryer Tilapia
Haven’t you been looking for a quick fish dinner that actually has flavor? This blackened tilapia comes together in minutes using your air fryer. You’ll get that crispy, spicy crust without heating up your whole kitchen.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Paprika – 2 tsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Onion powder – 1 tsp
Dried oregano – 1 tsp
Cayenne pepper – ½ tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels on both sides.
2. Brush both sides of each fillet lightly with olive oil using a pastry brush.
3. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet, pressing gently to help it adhere.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
6. Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
8. Check for doneness – the fish should flake easily with a fork and have a dark, crispy crust.
9. Remove from air fryer using tongs and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Really, that crispy blackened crust gives way to tender, flaky fish underneath. The spice blend creates this amazing smoky heat that pairs perfectly with cool sides. Try serving it over a bed of rice with a squeeze of fresh lime, or stuff it into warm tortillas for killer fish tacos.
Buffalo Air Fryer Tilapia Bites
Ugh, you know those days when you want something crispy and flavorful but don’t want to deal with a big mess? These Buffalo Air Fryer Tilapia Bites are your new best friend—they come together in minutes and satisfy that spicy craving perfectly.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 1 lb
Flour – ½ cup
Egg – 1 large
Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
Buffalo sauce – ½ cup
Butter – 2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Cut the tilapia into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
3. Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
4. Whisk the egg in a separate shallow bowl until smooth.
5. Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow bowl.
6. Dredge each tilapia piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
7. Dip the floured tilapia into the egg, letting excess drip off.
8. Press the tilapia into the panko breadcrumbs, coating all sides evenly.
9. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
10. Arrange the coated tilapia bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
11. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through.
12. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a meat thermometer.
13. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds.
14. Stir the buffalo sauce into the melted butter until fully combined.
15. Toss the cooked tilapia bites in the buffalo butter sauce until evenly coated.
16. Return the sauced bites to the air fryer basket.
17. Air fry at 400°F for 2 more minutes to set the sauce.
Zesty and perfectly crisp, these bites have that classic buffalo kick without being overly greasy. Serve them piled high with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping, or tuck them into slider buns with coleslaw for the ultimate game-day snack.
Soy Ginger Air Fryer Tilapia
Wondering what to make for dinner tonight that’s healthy, fast, and totally delicious? This soy ginger tilapia comes together in minutes using your air fryer. You’ll love how the flavors soak right into the flaky fish.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
Fresh ginger – 1 tbsp, grated
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Lemon – 1, juiced
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Whisk together soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
3. Brush the marinade evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet.
4. Let the fish sit in the marinade for 10 minutes at room temperature.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
6. Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
8. Check for doneness—the fish should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F internally.
9. Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer using tongs.
10. Let the fish rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Here’s the best part—the tilapia comes out perfectly flaky with crispy edges, while the soy ginger marinade gives it a savory-sweet kick that’s seriously addictive. Try serving it over a bed of jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, or stuff it into warm tortillas with some crunchy slaw for amazing fish tacos.
Coconut Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia
Need a quick, healthy dinner that feels fancy but comes together in minutes? You’ve got to try this coconut crusted tilapia made in your air fryer. It’s crispy, flavorful, and so much easier than you’d think.
Ingredients
- Tilapia fillets – 4
- All-purpose flour – ½ cup
- Egg – 1
- Unsweetened shredded coconut – 1 cup
- Panko breadcrumbs – ½ cup
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
- Mix the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
- Beat the egg in a separate shallow bowl.
- Combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Dredge each tilapia fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured fillet into the beaten egg, coating both sides.
- Press the egg-coated fillet into the coconut-panko mixture, ensuring an even crust on both sides.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
- Carefully flip the fillets using tongs.
- Lightly spray the flipped sides with cooking spray.
- Air fry for another 6-8 minutes at 400°F until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Voilà! You get this incredible contrast of a super crispy, slightly sweet coconut crust against the tender, flaky fish inside. Serve it over a bed of coconut rice with a squeeze of fresh lime, or chop it up for the most amazing fish tacos you’ve ever had.
Italian Seasoned Air Fryer Tilapia
Wondering how to get perfectly crispy fish without the mess of deep frying? You’ve got to try this Italian seasoned tilapia in your air fryer. It’s seriously easy and comes out flaky every time.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets – 4
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Italian seasoning – 1 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Lemon – 1
Instructions
1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of the fillets.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
5. Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
7. Flip the fillets carefully using tongs.
8. Air fry for another 4-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
9. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze fresh juice over the cooked tilapia.
Zesty lemon brightens up the herby crust, while the fish stays moist inside. Try serving it over a bed of quinoa with roasted veggies, or flake it into tacos for a quick twist.
Thai Basil Air Fryer Tilapia
Are you craving restaurant-quality Thai food but short on time? This air fryer tilapia comes together in minutes with minimal effort. You’ll love how the fragrant basil and savory sauce transform simple fish into something special.
Ingredients
- Tilapia fillets – 2 (6 oz each)
- Thai basil – ½ cup, packed
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Fish sauce – 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet lightly with olive oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip the fillets carefully with a spatula.
- Brush the cooked side generously with the prepared sauce mixture.
- Continue air frying for another 4-5 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally.
- Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and immediately top with fresh Thai basil leaves.
- Drizzle the remaining sauce over the hot fish just before serving.
Unbelievably, this tilapia develops a slightly crisp exterior while staying moist inside. The basil wilts perfectly from the residual heat, releasing its distinctive aroma. Try serving it over jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that savory-sweet sauce.
Conclusion
You’ve just discovered 20 delicious ways to transform tilapia into crispy, healthy meals with your air fryer! From zesty lemon pepper to savory garlic herb, there’s a recipe here for every taste. We’d love to hear which creations become your family favorites—drop a comment below and share your top picks on Pinterest so other home cooks can enjoy these tasty dishes too!
