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An air-fried tilapia fillet on a plate with a lemon wedge

Quick Air Fryer Tilapia (with Spice Rub)


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Mike Vrobel
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 fillets 1x

Description

Air Fryer Tilapia. This quick weeknight main dish is ready in about 20 minutes with thawed tilapia. (If the tilapia is still frozen but individually plastic-wrapped, it only takes another 15 minutes to thaw it under cold running water.) Sprinkle the tilapia with the spice rub, spray with some cooking oil, and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tilapia fillets
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea Salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black Pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne (optional)
  • Cooking spray (preferably no-propellant cooking spray)

Instructions

  1. Season and oil the tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne and sprinkle it evenly over the fish fillets. Spray both sides of the fillets with a light coat of cooking spray.
  2. Air Fry for 10 minutes at 400°F: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, then add the tilapia fillets, flat side down. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking time.
  3. Serve: Remove the tilapia from the air fryer (Be gentle; it will want to flake apart.) Serve and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Weeknight Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Cajun

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