Go Back
+ servings
air fryer tilapia.
4.79 from 33 votes

Air Fryer Tilapia

Rika
This air fryer tilapia is absolutely the healthiest and easiest way to fry fish to perfection!  It's a cheap and easy meal making it great for those busy weeknights, but has the taste and wow-factor to make for a special meal, too. 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish, Seafoods
Cuisine American, world
Servings 1
Calories 266 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 fresh whole tilapia , (about 1 pound) pat the fish dry with paper towels.
  • 1 medium-size lime, (juiced)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, (for a smaller fish, use only ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt)
  • ¼ black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable or avocado oil

For the Cavity:

  • 3-4 garlic cloves, (smashed)

Instructions
 

  • Place the fish on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut three deep, diagonal slits on both sides of the fish, cutting all the way down to the bone.
    Transfer to a ziplock bag, add lime juice and marinate for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the fish from the marinade. Give a little shake to remove excess liquid and discard the lime juice. Rub the inside and outside of the fish with oil then season with salt and pepper.
    Stuff the cavity of the fish with smashed garlic cloves.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook the fish for about 20 minutes (or less if you are using a smaller fish), flipping it halfway through cooking.
    Check the doneness at 15 minutes. If the fish is not ready, cook for 1-2 minutes and check it again. Continue cooking until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 1254mgPotassium: 621mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!