Air Fryer Blackened Tilapia on a plate

Air Fryer · Easy

Air Fryer Blackened Tilapia

This air fryer tilapia gets a bold, smoky blackened seasoning crust and cooks in about 10 minutes for a fast, flavorful fish dinner.

5Prep min
9Cook min
14Total min
  • 4tilapia fillets
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 1 teaspoonpaprika
  • 1/2 teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoononion powder
  • 1/4 teaspooncayenne pepper
  • to taste salt
  1. 1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
  2. 2Pat the tilapia dry and brush lightly with olive oil.
  3. 3Mix the paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt, then rub over both sides of the fillets.
  4. 4Place in a single layer in the basket.
  5. 5Air fry for 7-9 minutes, until the fish flakes easily and the crust is set.
  6. 6Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Make it yours

  • Reduce the cayenne for a milder version.
  • Serve flaked over a salad or in tacos.
  • Add a squeeze of lime instead of lemon for a different citrus note.

Good with

  • Cilantro lime rice
  • Black beans and corn salad
  • Fish tacos with slaw

Good questions, answered.

Is blackened seasoning very spicy?

It has a mild kick from the cayenne; reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

How thin fillets affect cook time?

Thinner tilapia fillets may need only 6-7 minutes, so check a minute or two early.