- Prepare the Tilapia:
- Pat dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Tilapia:
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil (or melted butter), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Tilapia:
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Tilapia:
- Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fillets in batches.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve:
- Remove the tilapia from the air fryer basket and transfer to serving plates.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tilapia fillets and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately, with additional lemon wedges on the side.
Tips:
- Variations: You can adjust the seasonings to your taste. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or using fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- Side Suggestions: Serve air fryer tilapia with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain its texture.
Enjoy this air fryer tilapia as a quick and delicious dinner option that’s full of flavor and light on effort!