Air Fryer Lemon Butter Herb Tilapia

Air Fryer Lemon Butter Herb Tilapia

Indulge in the classic flavors of lemon, butter, and fresh herbs with this simple and elegant tilapia recipe. Cooked to flaky perfection in the air fryer, it’s an ideal dish for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Lemon slices, for serving

• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tilapia:

• Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry fillets ensure a crispier texture and prevent sogginess.

2. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well blended.

• This sauce will coat the fillets, infusing them with bright citrusy flavors and aromatic herbs.

3. Season the Fish:

• Using a brush or spoon, generously coat both sides of each tilapia fillet with the lemon butter sauce. Reserve a small portion of the sauce for basting later.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a perfectly flaky texture.

5. Cook the Tilapia:

• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with air fryer parchment paper.

• Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.

• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste the fillets with the reserved lemon butter sauce when flipping for added moisture and flavor.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Remove the tilapia carefully from the air fryer and transfer to serving plates.

• Garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional parsley or thyme for a vibrant presentation.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Fresh Herbs: Substitute fresh parsley and thyme for dried ones if available for a more aromatic and flavorful dish.

• Don’t Overcook: Tilapia cooks quickly, so check for doneness at the 8-minute mark. The fillets are ready when they flake easily with a fork.

• Custom Flavors: Add a pinch of paprika or a dash of white wine to the lemon butter sauce for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions:

This lemon butter herb tilapia pairs beautifully with:

• Vegetables: Air-fried broccoli, roasted green beans, or sautéed spinach.

• Starches: Garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or creamy polenta.

• Light Salads: Arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a fresh Mediterranean salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~250

• Protein: ~23g

• Carbohydrates: ~2g

• Fat: ~17g

• Fiber: ~0.5g

Bright, buttery, and bursting with herbaceous goodness, this Air Fryer Lemon Butter Herb Tilapia is the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. Whether for a casual meal or a dinner party, it’s sure to impress!