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Cooked white fish fillet served with quinoa and greens on a white plate.
Anas Jafir

Air Fryer Tilapia for One

Air fryer tilapia for one makes one tender, seasoned fish fillet in about 15 minutes for a quick dinner without leftovers.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tilapia fillet, 5 to 6 ounces, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch of ground black pepper
  • 1 lemon wedge, for serving
  • 1 teaspoon chopped parsley, optional

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • small bowl
  • silicone brush or spoon
  • thin spatula
  • instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Pat the thawed tilapia dry and check for small bones.
  3. Mix the dry seasonings, brush the fish with oil, and season both sides.
  4. Place the fillet in one layer in a lightly oiled basket.
  5. Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 7 to 9 minutes without flipping.
  6. Confirm the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) and separates easily with a fork.
  7. Rest for 2 minutes, then serve with lemon.

Notes

Start checking at 6 minutes when the fillet is thinner than 1/2 inch.
Use a thin spatula to reduce the chance of breaking the cooked fish.
Cooking time and nutrition values are estimates.
Times and nutrition are estimates. Follow your appliance instructions and check doneness.
Never preheat with a loose parchment liner. Keep any liner secured beneath food and away from the heating element.