Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic is a light, flavorful and delicious dinner that you can easily prepare in the air fryer! This is one of my favorite summer recipes, because no only is it nutritious it’s a light and healthy meal.

Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic
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Without using any oil, and since this recipe is air fryer tilapia with no breading , you get a great healthy, low-calorie, low-carb, and KETO Friendly meal within minutes! There is nothing better, and if you love pan-fried fish, you will absolutely love this, and it’s made with hardly any oil.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Seafood Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER SALMON WITH WHOLE-GRAIN MUSTARD, AIR FRYER LEMON PEPPER SHRIMP, AIR FRYER SALMON PATTIES, and AIR FRYER BLACKENED SALMON.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic

With only a few simple ingredients, you can make this easy air fryer tilapia recipe.

Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Tilapia Fillets: Fresh tilapia fillets provide a mild and flaky fish base for the dish.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon slices or lemon juice add bright acidity and flavor to the tilapia.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic brings aromatic and savory notes to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to coat the tilapia fillets and infuse them with moisture and flavor during cooking.
  • Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings help to enhance the flavors of the fish and other ingredients.
  • Fresh Herbs (Optional): Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

How to Cook Tilapia in Air Fryer

Here are the simple steps to make Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic:

Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

Season the Tilapia: Season the tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Drizzle them with olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. You can also add lemon slices on top of the fillets for extra flavor.

Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook the tilapia in batches.

Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic

Air Fry: Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when done.

Serve: Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs and additional lemon slices if desired.

Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic

Pro Tips For Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic Recipe

Here are some pro tips to elevate your Air Fryer Tilapia with Lemon and Garlic recipe:

  • Pat Dry the Tilapia: Before seasoning, make sure to pat dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to adhere better and ensuring crispier results in the air fryer.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic cloves and real lemon juice rather than bottled varieties. Fresh ingredients will impart a brighter and more vibrant taste to the dish.
  • Add Herbs: Enhance the flavor profile of the tilapia by adding fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or dill to the seasoning mix. These herbs complement the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully and add a pop of color to the dish.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the tilapia while it cooks in the air fryer, as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the specific model of your air fryer. It’s better to slightly undercook the fish than to overcook it, as overcooked tilapia can become dry and tough.
  • Serve with Side Dishes: Pair your Air Fryer Tilapia with Lemon and Garlic with complementary side dishes such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad. These side dishes not only add nutritional balance to the meal but also enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your tilapia. Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika can add a unique twist to the dish, giving it a new dimension of flavor.
air fryer lemon and herb tilapia

Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic Recipe Faq’s

Can I use frozen tilapia fillets? Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe. However, it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

How long does it take to cook tilapia in the air fryer? The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tilapia fillets. Generally, it takes about 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). However, always check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I substitute tilapia with another type of fish? Yes, you can use other mild-flavored white fish such as cod, haddock, or flounder for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fish fillets.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Tilapia with Lemon and Garlic? This tilapia dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones? While fresh herbs offer the best flavor, you can substitute them with dried herbs if needed. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones, so adjust the quantity accordingly.

How do I prevent the tilapia from drying out in the air fryer? To prevent the tilapia from drying out, be sure not to overcook it. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Can I marinate the tilapia before cooking? Yes, you can marinate the tilapia fillets in the lemon and garlic mixture for added flavor. Marinate for 15-30 minutes before cooking for best results.

How do I clean the air fryer basket after cooking? Allow the air fryer basket to cool slightly before cleaning it. Wash it with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or brush. For stubborn residues, soak the basket in warm, soapy water before cleaning.

Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic

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Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic is a light, flavorful and delicious dinner that you can easily prepare in the air fryer!

Ingredients 

  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  • Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Brush the tilapia fillets with the lemon-garlic mixture on both sides, ensuring they are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the tilapia for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Once done, remove the tilapia from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  • Serve the Air Fryer Tilapia With Lemon And Garlic hot with your favorite side dishes.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 35gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 557mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg

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