Air fryer blackened tilapia is a 15-minute dinner idea that requires just a few simple herbs and spices to make up the most flavorful blackened dry rub resulting in a spectacular fillet of fish without all of the deep-frying! It’s a deliciously kid-friendly meal, especially when served with their favorite sides and dipping sauces!
Ingredients
4-6 fillets tilapia
3 tablespoon high heat oil
Blackened Seasoning Rub
3 tablespoon 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
Garnish
1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, ground pepper, and ground cayenne pepper.
Rinse the tilapia fillets and pat dry with a paper towel. In another bowl, drizzle and coat the tilapia with oil. Then, drain the excess oil and season both sides of each fillet with the blackened seasoning (about 1 tablespoon for each fillet). Shake off any excess seasoning before placing it into the air fryer.
Generously spray each tilapia fillet with oil. Air fry for 7-9 minutes. The fish is done when the internal temperature is 145°F and is easily flaked by a fork at the thickest part.
