Air Fryer Tilapia (fresh or frozen!) is a flakey fish recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Flavored with garlic butter and parmesan, this tilapia recipe has no breadcrumbs or breading and goes great with roasted seasonal vegetables or rice.
While the air fryer is preheating, season tilapia on both sides well with kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket. Also spray both sides of the fish filet lightly. Place tilapia into the air fryer and cook. If you’re using fresh fish: cook for 4 minutes and flip, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. If you’re using frozen filets then cook for 5 minutes and flip, cooking for another 4-5 minutes. The fish is done when it registers about 145 F internally, is firm to the touch, opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
While the fish is cooking, mix together melted butter, parmesan, Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Remove fish carefully with spatula. Drizzle butter mixture over fish and finish with fresh lemon juice if desired. Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
To cook multiple filets, make sure they are in a single layer otherwise do in batches. This will depend on the size of your air fryer.
If you’re using frozen filets of tilapia, use the slightly longer cook time but keep the same temperature.
If you use a smaller or larger piece of tilapia, adjust the cooking time not the temperature.
If you have leftovers, it’s best to gently warm in butter or eat cold on a salad.