Quick Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia Recipe

Make a quick and easy air fryer tilapia recipe that's flaky and crispy in just 10 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this spiced tilapia is a delicious, low-carb option.

Getting everyone in the house to eat fish used to feel like climbing a steep hill in flip-flops. Between picky eaters and the lingering smell of seafood in the house, it just didn't seem worth the effort most weeknights. That all changed when I discovered how tilapia cooks perfectly in the air fryer!

This Middle Eastern-inspired spice blend turned our fish nights better. The combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and sumac creates the perfect balance that complements the mild flavors of the tilapia. I was surprised by what the sumac brings to the dish—its bright, lemony flavor makes the fish taste fresh without being "fishy."

This recipe is perfect for busy parents who need quick meals. The entire process just takes 20 minutes from start to finish, with only 10 minutes of actual cooking time. I can prepare everything, take a quick shower, and I can serve a healthy, protein-rich dinner that didn't need that much effort.

It wasn't until my third attempt that I realized how much of a difference patting the fish dry before seasoning could make. That small step changed the texture drastically. My husband noticed it right away, saying it was just as good as the fish from our favorite restaurant.

Now, it's become a regular part of our meal rotation, and to my surprise, my kids actually cheer when they see the air fryer come out on "fish night"—something I never expected from my family!

Ingredients

• Tilapia fillets - This is the primary protein in the recipe.
• Cumin - This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor to the fish.
• Coriander - Gives a citrusy note that complements the fish. 
• Turmeric - Adds a warm color and a subtle earthy flavor. If you want to omit turmeric, you can replace it with a pinch of curry powder, which will give a similar color and a slightly different flavor.
• Paprika - This spice adds mild sweetness and vibrant color. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can use smoked paprika.
• Sumac - Adds a tangy, lemony flavor that brightens the dish. If sumac is unavailable, mix lemon zest with a little salt as a substitute to achieve a similar brightness.
• Garlic powder - You may use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder if you want a fresher taste.
• Olive oil - Used for cooking the fish and adding richness, you may use other oils for this.
• Lemon wedges - Used for serving, adding a fresh and zesty flavor when squeezed over the fish.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

If you're in the mood for a quick and flavorful seafood dish, this air fryer spiced tilapia is a great choice! I love making this recipe because it’s not only easy to prepare but also results in perfectly cooked fish with a deliciously crispy exterior. Just follow these straightforward steps, and you'll have a tasty meal ready in no time!

Prepare the Spice Mixture

Start by combining the spices in a small bowl. This mixture will enhance the flavor of the tilapia. Use a whisk or a spoon to make sure that the spices are well blended.

Prepare the Tilapia Fillets

Take the tilapia fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it will help the olive oil and spices adhere better to the fish. Once dried, brush each fillet lightly with olive oil. This will add flavor and help achieve a nice texture during cooking.

Coat the Fillets

Evenly coat the tilapia fillets with the spice mixture you prepared earlier. Make sure to cover both sides of the fillets for consistent flavor. You can use your hands or a spoon to help distribute the spices evenly.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential for cooking the fish evenly and achieving a nice crispness.

Arrange in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure to avoid overlapping the fillets, as this can prevent even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to for proper air circulation.

Cook the Tilapia

Cook the fillets in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and cooking on both sides. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Check for Doneness

After the cooking time is complete, check the internal temperature of the tilapia using a meat thermometer. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Serve the Tilapia

Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair the fish with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh flavor that complements the spices. Enjoy your meal!

Storage

Store any leftover air fryer spiced tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best to consume the tilapia fresh, as reheating can cause it to become dry and lose its crispy texture. If you need to store it, try to keep the fillets whole and avoid stacking them to maintain their quality. To keep the taste and texture, it's recommended to consume the tilapia immediately after cooking.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

We love having this crispy spiced tilapia with a bowl of rice but it also goes well with roasted vegetables, adding some color and texture to the plate. A side of roasted potatoes with broccoli keeps things simple but satisfying, while German roasted cauliflower brings a lightly charred, well-seasoned bite. For something cheesy and comforting, green cauliflower bake is another option.

If you're in the mood for something fresh, a crisp salad balances out the spiced fish. Ukrainian cucumber salad is light and refreshing, and quinoa cucumber salad adds a bit more heartiness. For a mix of crunch and creaminess, cucumber crispy rice salad brings a fun contrast in textures. If you're looking for more air fryer recipes to round out the meal, try lemon air fryer salmon, crispy air fryer tofu, or zucchini fritters for another easy dish.

Recipe