5 from 50 votes

Air Fryer Tilapia

Tender, flaky air fryer tilapia with Cajun seasoning, parmesan, and garlic butter. Cooks at 400°F for 7–9 minutes with no flipping.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 310kcal

Author: Davinah

1 lb Tilapia filets Fresh and thawed. I used two 6-8 oz filets, but you can use smaller filets so that two fit in the basket if necessary.
2 tbsp garlic butter click for the recipe
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Cajun seasoning click for the recipe or use lemon pepper seasoning, add more to taste
2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese fresh grated

Drizzle the tilapia fillets with olive oil.
Top with cajun seasoning and parmesan cheese (spread this as evenly as possible)
Optional: to make the fish easier to lift. Add air fryer parchment paper liners to your air fryer basket.
Add the fish to the air fryer basket.
Air Fryer at 400 degrees for 8-9 minutes. No need to flip.
Plate the fish and top with melted garlic butter.

Use parchment for easy lifting: Air fryer parchment liners or 8-inch round parchment paper help keep the tilapia from sticking.
Skin on or off works: Some tilapia fillets have skin on one side, and either option works in this recipe.
Adjust for fillet size: Thinner fillets cook faster, so start checking around 6–7 minutes.
Check the fish before removing it: Tilapia is done when it looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Keep the basket uncrowded: Leave space around each fillet so the fish cooks evenly.
Add garlic butter after cooking: This keeps the garlic from burning and gives the fish a fresh, buttery finish.