Air Fryer Tilapia With Fresh Lemon Pepper

Take a culinary trip to the Mediterranean with this light and zesty Air Fryer Tilapia recipe! With a burst of citrusy freshness from the lemon juice and zest, a hint of spice from the black pepper, and a whisper of garlic, this dish is sure to become a seafood lover’s delight.

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1/4 cup black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Place the tilapia fillets in a shallow dish and brush the lemon pepper mixture evenly over both sides of the fish. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Remove the tilapia from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.

Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each fillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use fresh and high-quality tilapia fillets for the best results.

Make sure to pat the fillets dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, as this helps the marinade adhere to the fish better.

For an intense lemon flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated zest.

If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount to 3-4 cloves.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking time and evenness of the dish.

If you’re short on time, you can marinate the tilapia for as little as 10 minutes, but the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Keep an eye on the tilapia while it’s cooking, as the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

You can serve this dish with your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or a salad.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Potassium: 450mg
• Vitamin A: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 20% of the DV
• Calcium: 4% of the DV
• Iron: 10% of the DV