Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Tilapia

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Tilapia

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare the fillets

   Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and trim any ragged edges so they cook evenly. Place the fillets on a plate or shallow dish and set aside while you mix the seasoning.

   For this step

   • 4 fillettilapia fillets
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Make the lemon-pepper seasoning and coat

   In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt and fresh lemon juice. Brush or spoon the mixture over both sides of each fillet so they are lightly but evenly coated.

   For this step

   • 1 tbspolive oil
   • 1 1/2 tsplemon pepper seasoning
   • 1/2 tspgarlic powder
   • 1/2 tspkosher salt
   • 1 tbspfresh lemon juice
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes — preheating helps create a crisp exterior quickly. Lightly spray the basket or line with perforated parchment if desired to prevent sticking.
4. 4

   Step 4: Air fry the tilapia

   Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 145°F/63°C).
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Rest and finish

   Transfer the fillets to a serving plate and let rest 1 minute. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish for extra brightness.

   For this step

   • 1 tbspfresh parsley, chopped
   • 4 wedgelemon wedges (for serving)
6. 6

   Step 6: Serve suggestions

   Serve immediately with simple sides like a green salad, steamed vegetables, or quick couscous for a balanced meal. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in the air fryer for best texture.
   

1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and trim any ragged edges so they cook evenly. Place the fillets on a plate or shallow dish and set aside while you mix the seasoning.
2. In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt and fresh lemon juice. Brush or spoon the mixture over both sides of each fillet so they are lightly but evenly coated.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes — preheating helps create a crisp exterior quickly. Lightly spray the basket or line with perforated parchment if desired to prevent sticking.
4. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 145°F/63°C).
5. Transfer the fillets to a serving plate and let rest 1 minute. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish for extra brightness.
6. Serve immediately with simple sides like a green salad, steamed vegetables, or quick couscous for a balanced meal. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in the air fryer for best texture.