Ingredients
4 tilapia fillets (about 5-6 oz each), patted dry
1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra color)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt (adjust—Cajun blends vary)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon juice (plus wedges for serving)
Optional: pinch of cayenne (for extra heat)
Optional Cajun spice mix (if making your own): Paprika + garlic powder + onion powder + oregano + thyme + black pepper + salt + cayenne.Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 2–3 minutes (if your model preheats).
Season the fish: Pat fillets very dry. Brush both sides with oil, then sprinkle evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a light squeeze of lemon.
Air fry: Place fillets in a single layer (don’t overlap). Cook 8–10 minutes at 400°F, flipping carefully at about 5 minutes if you want extra even browning (optional).
Check doneness: Fish is done when it flakes easily and reaches 145°F in the thickest part.
Rest + serve: Rest 1–2 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Cooking Tips (So It Turns Out Perfect)
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Dry the fillets well: Less moisture = better browning and less sticking.
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Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed for crisp edges.
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Watch the time: Tilapia is thin and can dry out fast—start checking at 8 minutes.
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Use parchment liners (perforated) for easy cleanup and reduced sticking.
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If using frozen tilapia: Thaw fully, then pat dry very well before seasoning.
Variations
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Blackened-style: Add 1 tsp brown sugar to the seasoning mix for a deeper caramelized crust.
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Lemon-garlic Cajun: Mix oil with 1 tsp minced garlic + extra lemon zest before brushing.
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Creamy Cajun topping: Serve with a quick sauce: Greek yogurt + lemon + a pinch of Cajun + garlic powder.
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Taco version: Flake cooked fish into tortillas with slaw, lime, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
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Low-sodium: Use a salt-free Cajun blend and add salt to taste after cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450 mg (depends heavily on Cajun seasoning)
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g