Lemon Paprika Air Fryer Tilapia

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets, thawed and patted dry, about 5 ounces each (570 g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 g)
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (2 g)
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (2 g)
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder (2 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (140 g)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional (8 g)
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice, for serving (185 g)

Instructions

1. Preheat basket. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for three minutes if preheating is permitted by its instructions. Leave the basket empty during this step, then fit a trimmed parchment liner inside if using one.
2. Dry fish. Pat thawed tilapia completely dry with paper towels. Arrange it on a plate while you mix seasonings. Dry surfaces hold the oil mixture better and prevent diluted patches across the fillets.
3. Mix coating. In a shallow bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the paprika no longer sits in dry clumps. Keep lemon wedges and parsley for serving after cooking.
4. Coat fillets. Rub the seasoned oil over both sides of every fillet, including tapered edges. Lay fillets flat in the hot basket, leaving at least one-half inch of open space between pieces. Do not overlap or stack them.
5. Air fry. Cook for seven to nine minutes without turning. Start checking at seven minutes, especially for thin fillets. The centers should look opaque, and the thickest portion should separate easily when gently pressed with a fork. Remove thinner pieces first if needed.
6. Finish and serve. Lift fillets out with a thin spatula. Squeeze lemon over the fish, add parsley, and serve immediately with rice or greens. Store extra lemon wedges separately if you are packing leftovers.

Notes

• Fillets closer to one-half inch thick may finish at seven minutes. Thick or uneven pieces can need the full nine minutes; check the center’s appearance and fork separation rather than relying only on time.
• Parchment is optional, but choose a liner with open edges around the fish. A liner covering the entire basket base can reduce circulation and leave the underside lighter.

Nutrition Facts