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Air fryer tilapia in the air fryer basket after cooking.
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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Tilapia

With fresh citrus, herbs, and Parmesan in the topping, this non-fishy-tasting Air Fryer Tilapia recipe is one that kids and adults alike love. Plus, this weeknight meal is budget-friendly and only takes minutes to cook thanks to the air fryer.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Seafood
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer tilapia
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 294kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise sub: full-fat Greek yogurt
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup minced parsley sub: 1 tablespoon dried parsley or other fresh herbs like minced dill, chives, or basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
  • 2 pounds tilapia fillets, completely thawed 6 filets
  • Salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Make Topping: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the Parmesan, butter, mayo, lemon zest and juice, fresh herbs, black pepper, garlic powder, and celery salt until combined. Set aside.
  • Prep Tilapia: Pat tilapia fillets dry. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Generously spread the Parmesan topping over the tilapia pieces (I use the back of a spoon).
  • Air Fry & Serve: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Working in 2 or 3 batches, air fry 2-3 filets at a time for 6-8 minutes. (Do not flip.) Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side and fresh chopped parsley on top (optional).

Notes

  • Consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet, and it should register 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.
  • Surprisingly, leftovers are really good.
  • Want to use the oven? Use our Parmesan Broiled Tilapia recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filet | Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 374mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.04g