Air Fryer Blackened Tilapia

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 13

Servings: people

Calories: 284kcal

Author: Quynh Nguyen

Smoky, lightly spicy blackened tilapia cooks until tender and flaky in the air fryer in less than 10 minutes. An easy 15-minute seafood dinner with no breading or pan frying.

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Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

Tilapia

4-6 fillets tilapia
3 tablespoons avocado oil
Lemon wedges, for serving

Blackened Seasoning Rub

3 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Make the seasoning. Mix the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl.
Season the tilapia. Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels. Drizzle with avocado oil and coat both sides. Rub the blackened seasoning over both sides of each fillet and shake off any loose excess.
Air fry. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and the thickest part reaches 145°F. There's no need to flip.
Serve. Squeeze fresh lemon over the tilapia and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the fish dry so the seasoning sticks better.
Use fillets that are similar in thickness for more even cooking.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed.
Reduce the cayenne for a milder seasoning.
Start checking the fish around 7 minutes since thinner fillets may cook faster.
Tilapia is done when it flakes easily and reaches 145°F in the thickest part.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, just until warmed through.

Nutrition