This Air Fryer Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, flavorful dinner that’s ready in 15 minutes! The tilapia fillets cook to perfectly tender, flaky perfection in the air fryer, while a bright, buttery lemon sauce adds a rich, tangy finish. Light, fresh, and packed with flavor, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious and impressive meal with minimal effort.
Delicious Air Fryer Tilapia!
Growing up in Brazil, I spent my summer vacations either at the beach or visiting my grandma’s town. Tilapia was especially popular there because the river that served the city was full of them. Whenever my uncles went fishing, they came home with a basket full of fresh tilapia. That’s when I first started eating this fish.
Now, whenever I spot fresh tilapia fillets at the grocery store, I always grab some to cook for my family. We love my Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia and my Tilapia with Tomato Sauce, both are simple and so flavorful!
I love cooking fish in the air fryer. I’ve made Air Fryer Salmon, Air Fryer Cod, and Air Fryer Trout. So, I had to try tilapia in the air fryer as well. And let me tell you: It’s delicious!
This time, I’m pairing this air fryer tilapia recipe with a rich butter sauce and side dishes like fresh avocado salsa, and fluffy rice. It makes the perfect quick and easy family dinner.
Key Ingredients:
Tilapia Fillets – I have made this recipe with fresh and frozen tilapia. After testing, I found that fully thawed fillets or fresh fish work well. Both gets a good flaky texture in the air fryer. You can also make this recipe with mahi mahi and cod fish too. You can also make this recipe with other white fish like mahi mahi and cod fish too.
Seasonings – I often make this recipe with different spice blends. However, I think this mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper gives the best balance. It adds smokiness, warmth, and depth without overpowering the fish. Simple, but it highlights the tilapia’s delicate flavor.
Butter & Garlic – This recipe becomes even more delicious, bright, and fresh with this sauce. Butter always wins for richness, and freshly minced garlic is key because it infuses the sauce with a bold aroma that takes the fish to the next level.
Lemon Juice & Parsley – I’ve found that fresh lemon juice is the best choice for brightness and balance against the buttery sauce. Parsley adds a subtle herbal note and a pop of color. SO good!
All ingredients and their amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Air Fryer Tilapia:
Step 1: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels so the seasoning mixture sticks better. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper and mix well.
Step 2: Coat both sides of the fish evenly with all the spices.
Step 3: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil (cooking oil works too) or line it. Add the fillets. If needed, cook in batches. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flaky. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. Flip only if your air fryer needs it.
Step 4: While the tilapia cooks, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Step 5: Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and spoon or drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the top. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
Recipe Tips
Pat the fish dry first: Please don’t skip this step. Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings stick and gives the tilapia a nicer texture.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: This is another tip that is very important. Please, cook the fillets in a single layer with a little space between them so they crisp up instead of steaming.
Check doneness early: Tilapia cooks quickly. Start checking around 7–8 minutes. It’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout (145°F/63°C).
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Shrimp
10 mins
Air Fryer Sausage
15 mins
Air Fryer Pork Chops
14 mins
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
5 mins
Air Fryer Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- For the Tilapia:
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Instructions
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Ste aside. Add all the seasoning in a small bowl and mix well.
- Season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes, if necessary.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment. Place the fillets in the basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. No need to flip unless your air fryer requires it.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- While the tilapia cooks, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well.
- Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and drizzle with the lemon butter sauce.
- Serve immediately with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?
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