Air Fryer Tilapia with Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe delivers a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. The tilapia fillets are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper, then air fried to a crispy tender finish. A bright and zesty lemon garlic butter sauce is brushed on top before serving, enhancing the fish with fresh herbs and citrus notes. Ready in just 7 minutes, this easy recipe combines convenience with gourmet taste while maintaining a light and wholesome profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 tilapia fillets (4–6 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, this helps the seasoning stick and promotes even cooking.
- Season Fillets: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet using your hands.
- Air Fry Fish: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the top of the fillets lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and doneness.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: While the fish is cooking, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley in a small bowl until well combined.
- Serve: Once the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, remove from the air fryer. Generously brush the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top of each fillet and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure fillets are dry before seasoning for optimal crispiness.
- If the fillets vary in thickness, adjust air frying time accordingly.
- Use fresh parsley and lemon juice for bright, fresh flavors in the sauce.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Cooking spray can be substituted with a light brush of olive oil if preferred.
