This 10-minute air fryer tilapia is healthy, flakey, and delicious. It's seasoned with paprika and garlic and topped with a buttery lemon caper sauce. No breading, just crispy perfection for an easy weeknight dinner!
Update: This recipe, first published in 2021, has been updated with more tips and step-by-step photos showing how easy it is to make air-fried tilapia at home!
Whenever I want something quick and tasty, air fryer tilapia is my go-to. It's flakey, full of flavor, and ready in just 8 minutes! I've always loved tilapia, and this air fryer version is my new favorite. It's seasoned with lemon, paprika, garlic, and salt, then topped with a tangy homemade lemon caper sauce.
What makes this recipe so great? It's easy, crispy, and gluten-free. The air fryer gives the fish crispy edges without any breading or oil, keeping it light but satisfying. It's topped with a delicious 5-minute caper sauce that adds the perfect tangy kick.
Whether you're looking for a fast weeknight dinner or something to prep for the week, this lemony air-fried tilapia is a winner. I can't wait for you to try it! Another one of my reader favorites is these air-fried salmon bites.
Why you'll love this air fryer recipe:
- Quick & Easy – Air fryer tilapia only takes 8 minutes to cook.
- Flakey & Flavorful – It's perfectly seasoned, moist, and flakey.
- Healthy & Delicious – A healthy weeknight dinner everyone will love.
- Diet-Friendly – Gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and dairy-free options.
- Protein-Packed – Over 24 grams of protein per serving.
Ingredients
This healthy air fryer tilapia comes together in two simple parts: the tilapia and the lemon caper sauce. Here's everything you'll need:
- Tilapia: You'll need two 4-ounce filets of tilapia, either fresh or frozen. Both work great for this recipe!
- Olive Oil Spray: A light spray of olive oil helps prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Seasonings: We use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to give the tilapia the perfect flavor. Feel free to adjust to taste!
- Butter: A tablespoon of butter creates a rich base for the lemon caper sauce and adds a great flavor.
- Capers: These add a salty, briny touch to the sauce. If you don't have capers, you can skip them or use chopped olives as a substitute.
- Lemon: Juice from half a lemon gives the sauce a fresh, tangy kick.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the sauce and adds a pop of color. You can use dried parsley if you don't have fresh on hand.
Instructions
This healthy air fryer tilapia is quick, easy, and flavorful! It only takes 8 minutes to cook, and the fish comes out perfectly flakey and crispy. Here's how to air fryer tilapia:
Pat tilapia dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Use your fingers to spread the seasonings.
Preheat the air fryer. Place tilapia in the basket (no overlap), spray with olive oil, and air fry for 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish reaches 145°F.
While the fish cooks, melt butter and mix with capers, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Drizzle the lemon caper sauce over the tilapia, and enjoy!
Top tips
- Preheat your air fryer: This ensures an even cook and crispy edges!
- Don't let tilapia overlap: Make sure the filets are spaced out to cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
- Use a spatula, not tongs: Handle the tilapia carefully with a spatula to avoid breaking the fish.
Substituions & Variations
- Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Capers: If you don't like capers, try using chopped green olives for a similar tangy flavor.
- Seasonings: For a different flavor profile, experiment with other spices, such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika.
- Spicy: To add some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
Equipment
- Spatula
- Air Fryer
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Tools
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the lemon caper sauce in a separate small container. When ready to enjoy, reheat the tilapia and top with the warmed sauce.
To reheat in the microwave, place the tilapia in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 30-75 seconds until warm. To reheat in the air fryer, preheat and reheat the tilapia at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Then, drizzle with the lemon caper sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes about 6-8 minutes to cook tilapia in the air fryer at 375°F. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it's fully cooked.
Yes, you can! It's best to thaw the tilapia first, but if you're cooking from frozen, add 2-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Air-fried tilapia pairs well with various sides, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, quinoa, rice, or crispy potatoes. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with garlic bread or steamed asparagus.
If your fish isn't crispy, make sure to pat it dry and lightly spray it with oil before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent proper crisping. Also, check the cooking temperature—375°F is ideal for a crispy texture.
More air fryer dinner recipes!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you make this recipe?
Remember to leave a review and let me know how it turned out! Also, tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram with #healthfulblondie. I love seeing and sharing your creations!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Tilapia
Ingredients
Tilapia:
- 2 tilapia fillets, about 4 ounces each
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 large lemon, for serving
Lemon Caper Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted is best
- 1 tablespoon capers
- ½ large lemon, juiced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray with olive oil spray.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning onto both sides of the fish.
- Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip the fillets with a spatula and air fry for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (145°F in the thickest part).
- While the tilapia cooks, melt the butter in a small pan or microwave. Stir in capers, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Carefully remove the tilapia from the air fryer and drizzle with the lemon caper sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra lemon if desired!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Hannah says
This was a great recipe! It really did only take 10 minutes and the seasoning was great. I also really liked the lemon butter sauce...very tasty! I will be making it again! Thanks!
Ilse says
This recipe is so easy and yummy! I make it several times a week and I am obsessed!
Lisa says
It was an easy recipe, but I was really hoping for that tangy, lemony kick like chicken picata. Mine just didn't get there. I may try again adding another half lemon and some lemon zest next time.
Rose says
This dish has been my go-to meal at least once a week. I love it!