This Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe delivers big flavor in no time! Choose between a zesty Mexican rub or a spicy Cajun blend, both ready in under 20 minutes.
author’s note
Air Fryer Tilapia Tacos in Under 20 Minutes!
Tilapia wasn’t always a go-to fish in my kitchen, but once I started air frying it, everything changed. I was looking for something fast that didn’t involve a pan, splattering oil, or standing at the stove while everyone asked when dinner would be ready. The air fryer solved all of that.
The first few times I made this, I kept the seasoning super simple, but it felt a little flat. So I started playing around with spice blends I already loved for tacos and seafood dishes. One night it leaned more Mexican-inspired, another night it turned Cajun, and suddenly this one fish felt like two totally different dinners.
What really sold it was how easy it was to turn the tilapia into something my kids would actually get excited about. Straight off the air fryer, it’s fine. Tucked into crunchy taco shells or piled into a bowl with sauce and toppings, it’s a hit.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Tilapia fillets | Use similar-sized fillets so they cook evenly |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil works great too |
| Paprika | Smoked paprika adds deeper flavor |
| Chili powder or cayenne | Skip or reduce for less heat |
| Lime or lemon | Always finish with fresh juice |
Quick Tip
How do you know if fish is cooked? Gently twist a fork into the thickest part. If it flakes easily and is no longer translucent, it’s done. Target an internal temp of 140–145°F.
How To Cook Tilapia In the Air Fryer
- If using frozen, be sure to thaw the fish overnight in the fridge. If you forget, a cold water bath will do it quickly (here’s a quick how-to).
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels.
- Mix together spices and olive oil. Then gently press into fish, covering all surface area with the mixture.
- Then cook. Pop them in the air fryer and let it work its magic.
How Long To Cook Tilapia in An Air Fryer
It depends on the size of the fish and your particular model of Air Fryer, but for a 6-ounce filet, it takes around 7-10 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Fresh lemon or lime wedges are key. A squeeze on top helps seal in the spices so they stick without overpowering each bite.
- Air fryers vary by brand. Cook times may need small tweaks, and once the air fryer is hot, later batches will cook faster.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Arrange the fish in a single, even layer with no overlap.
Storage
This air fryer tilapia recipe is best eaten fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer until warmed through.
More Air Fryer Favorites:
Dinner
Air Fryer Falafel
Vegetables
Air Fryer Carrots
Sandwiches
Air Fryer Sandwich (4 Ways!)
Potatoes
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Tilapia
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 tilapia filets 6 ounces each; 1 pound total
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1-1/4 teaspoons ground chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray for serving
- 1 lime for serving
- Serving suggestions see note 1
- 3 to 4 tilapia filets 6 ounces each; 1 pound total
- 1-1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking spray for serving
- 1 lemon for serving
Instructions
- If frozen, thaw according to package directions (see note 2), then pat dry with paper towels. If fresh, rinse under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Preheat air fryer at 400℉ for 3 minutes (run on empty).
- Combine all listed spices under either Mexican-inspired or Cajun-inspired spice blend in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil and mix until you have a thick paste.
- Rub the seasoning paste evenly over both sides of the tilapia filets and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place filets in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 7–10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork (145°F internal temperature is recommended). Remove and drizzle with lemon or lime juice, or see note 1 for more serving suggestions. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Here’s my favorite quickest way to serve the tilapia with either spice rub:
- I grab hard taco shells or tostada shells and spread each side with store-bought mashed avocado or guac, then break apart the fish and add it in/on top. Sprinkle on some crunchy iceberg lettuce or a quick slaw, drizzle on some more lemon or lime, and dig in!
- If making the cajun-inspired tilapia, I love it with this quick tartar sauce:
- Stir together the following in a small bowl: 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 cup full-fat mayo, 1-1/2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp Dijon-style mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/8 tsp each of salt and pepper.
- If making the Mexican-inspired tilapia, I love it with this Cilantro Lime Sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How To Serve This Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
- Mexican-inspired: Serve in crunchy corn tortillas or on a tostada with guac or mashed avocado, quick slaw or shredded iceberg, the fish, and a cilantro lime sauce.
- Cajun-inspired: Serve in a charred corn tortilla with coleslaw, avocado, and tartar sauce, or keep it simple over coleslaw with lots of tartar sauce.
- More ideas: Add to a quinoa bowl, serve with roasted veggies, pair with a big salad, or make a tilapia burger.
how would you cook this w/o an air fryer ??
maybe in oven 7-10 min at 400*??
Tried this recipe and suggested meal plan! It was a hit!!! Yummy! Thank you. I took photos but it doesn’t seem I can post them.
I am so thrilled to hear this! Wish I could see those pictures! Thanks Carol! 🙂
Spicey airfryer was absolutely perfect and delicious n yummy recipe.
Making it your way Everytime.
Thank you for sharing
Its a super hit at home.
I am so happy to hear this was a hit! Thanks Lallie! 🙂