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• Why You Need My Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Cook Tilapia In The Air Fryer
• My Recipe Tips
• Variations For More Flavor
• Serving Ideas
• Air Fryer Tilapia (Fast & Flaky Recipe)
• Recipe Reviews

Fish might not be the first thing you think of when you think of air frying, but it’s actually one of the best uses for this appliance, because it locks in moisture so well. And nowhere is this more noticeable than with lean fish. While I cook this variety in all kinds of ways, air fryer tilapia is my fave because it turns out so flaky and tender — and incredibly fast. It has saved me last minute for so many dinners . If you need something super quick (and affordable) tonight, make your tilapia in the air fryer with me!

Why You Need My Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

• Flaky and flavorful with crispy edges – The flavor is garlicky and lemony, and the texture is ultra tender and moist. And unlike thicker types of fish (like my air fryer cod ), the thinner sides of tilapia get these irresistible crispy edges.
• Super duper fast – This is one of my favorite fish varieties for busy weeknights — baked tilapia , pan fried tilapia , and parmesan crusted tilapia are all winners at my house — but cooking tilapia in the air fryer is my fastest method of all. It cooks in minutes!
• Simple ingredients – Many air fryer tilapia recipes have bread crumbs or another batter, but my version is more simple. It’s healthier, easier, and still comes out amazing.
• Budget friendly – With the exception of one kid who rejects allmost all fish, my family loves this recipe… and let’s be honest, so does my wallet.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer tilapia recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Tilapia Fillets – You can use fresh or frozen tilapia. (Just see my tips below for instructions if yours is frozen). Other varieties of white fish fillets will also work, though cook time will vary based on thickness.
• Olive Oil – For flavor and locking in moisture. Avocado oil works great, too.
• Seasonings – This homemade lemon pepper seasoning is my fave here, but you can also use a store-bought mix, or simply use black pepper and add fresh lemon zest. You’ll also need paprika and garlic powder .
• Garnishes – Lemons and parsley. They’re optional, but I highly recommend!

How To Cook Tilapia In The Air Fryer

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Prep your air fryer. Turn the air fryer on and let it preheat. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray (I prefer olive oil spray).
2. Whisk the seasonings. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Season the fish fillets. Pat it dry with paper towels, then brush both sides with the oil and spice mixture.

1. Air fry. Place the tilapia in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook until lightly browned and flaky.
2. Garnish. If you like, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked fish, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

My Recipe Tips

• If you can, choose fillets that are similar in thickness. This way, they will cook at the same rate.
• Have just tilapia loins instead of whole fillets? You can still use my recipe. The time should be about the same, but I would check on them a minute earlier just in case.
• Check if your seasoning mix has salt. My homemade lemon pepper seasoning does, so I don’t add extra salt to my air fryer tilapia recipe. If yours is unsalted, add 3/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
• Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. It’s okay if the fillets touch, but make they don’t overlap. I usually need to cook in 2 batches for 4 tilapia fillets.
• Do you need to flip? Nope! In fact, I don’t recommend it, especially if you have whole tilapia fillets (as opposed to narrow strips), because flipping larger pieces of tilapia in the air fryer can be challenging without them falling apart. The air flow is enough to cook them evenly without flipping.
• For perfect results, go by internal temperature — time can vary by thickness. The ideal internal temp for moist, flaky tilapia is 140 degrees F, so use a meat thermometer if you have one. I have and like this probe version , so it beeps when ready and I don’t have to open the air fryer to check. You can cook it up to 145 degrees F if you prefer it more well done, but it’s a bit more dry that way. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the fish flakes easily with a fork but is still moist.
• Yes, you can cook it from frozen! I don’t usually recommend this for fish, but ever since I made frozen salmon in my air fryer , I figured out this method works for most fish. Simply air fry tilapia without any seasonings for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F first, then season and cook as usual like my recipe below.

Variations For More Flavor

I think this air fryer tilapia already tastes flavorful from the seasonings, but sometimes I make these versions for something extra:

• Want a kick? Use my Cajun seasoning or blackened seasoning instead of lemon pepper.
• Make it cheesy: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the fish before cooking.
• Drizzle with sauce: My fave over this fish is this lemon butter sauce .

Serving Ideas

Air fryer tilapia pairs well with just about any healthy side dish , but I’m partial to quick ones since that’s one of the things this recipe has going for it. Try these:

• Veggies – Asparagus is my go-to with fish. You can saute asparagus while you’ve got the tilapia in the air fryer, or make air fryer asparagus quickly right after. This works with other air fryer vegetables or even roasted vegetables , too.
• Starches – Air fryer potatoes are my family’s favorite, but you can also throw some sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot , or choose my lighter swaps like mashed cauliflower , zucchini noodles , or cauliflower rice .
• Salads – I threw together a simple arugula salad above. This lemony air fried tilapia also goes well with my Greek salad , creamy cucumber salad , spring mix salad , or strawberry spinach salad .
• Fish Tacos – I recommend swapping the seasoning for taco seasoning for these. Flake the fish and stuff into tortillas with your favorite fixings. I love them with taco slaw , salsa verde , avocado, and shredded Mexican cheese.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 5-oz Tilapia fillets ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 2 tsp Lemon pepper seasoning (with salt; add 3/4 teaspoon sea salt if yours is unsalted) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Paprika ▢
• 1/4 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1 medium Lemon (optional; sliced into wedges) ▢
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with olive oil/spice mixture, until evenly coated.
4. Place tilapia in the air fryer basket in a single layer, so they are not touching each other. (Cook in batches if it doesn’t all fit.) Cook for 6-8 minutes , until the tilapia is lightly browned and easily flakes with a fork.
5. Remove the fish from the air fryer. If desired, squeeze a lemon wedge onto each tilapia fillet and garnish with parsley before serving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 tilapia fillet

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help your fish cook evenly and stay moist, and even an option to cook from frozen.
• Flavor Variations: See my variations above for more delicious seasoning options.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: I highly recommend placing the tilapia in the air fryer again to reheat, but this time at 350 degrees F. It only takes about 2 minutes.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Note on nutrition info: The optional lemon and parsley are not included, but they don’t change the numbers much.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Air Fryer Tilapia (Fast & Flaky Recipe)

My air fryer tilapia recipe makes a fast weeknight meal in around 10 minutes! It’s super flaky, with crisp edges and flavorful lemon pepper.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/air-fryer-tilapia/

Ingredients

• 4 5-oz Tilapia fillets
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tsp Lemon pepper seasoning (with salt; add 3/4 teaspoon sea salt if yours is unsalted)
• 1/2 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 medium Lemon (optional; sliced into wedges)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with olive oil/spice mixture, until evenly coated.
4. Place tilapia in the air fryer basket in a single layer, so they are not touching each other. (Cook in batches if it doesn’t all fit.) Cook for 6-8 minutes , until the tilapia is lightly browned and easily flakes with a fork.
5. Remove the fish from the air fryer. If desired, squeeze a lemon wedge onto each tilapia fillet and garnish with parsley before serving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1 tilapia fillet

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help your fish cook evenly and stay moist, and even an option to cook from frozen.
• Flavor Variations: See my variations above for more delicious seasoning options.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: I highly recommend placing the tilapia in the air fryer again to reheat, but this time at 350 degrees F. It only takes about 2 minutes.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Note on nutrition info: The optional lemon and parsley are not included, but they don’t change the numbers much.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)