

Yields:
4 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Cal/Serv:
303
This air-fryer tilapia gets a hint of crunch from the cornmeal in the blackened seasoning. The mix is easy enough to mix ahead of time, so go ahead and make a big batch so it's ready whenever you want to make this easy weeknight fish.
What's a good side for tilapia?
We like blackened tilapia with this easy chopped mango salsa, which includes bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Of course, tilapia plays well with any number of sides. Try tilapia with corn or with a hazelnut crust and ribbons of zucchini. It would be hard to go wrong with a batch of mashed or roasted potatoes, or air fryer roasted vegetables, too.
What makes a fish blackened?
Despite what the name might imply, blackened fish isn't actually blackened in a pan—it's the delicious seasoning mixture that lends the dish its name. Blackening seasoning includes oregano, paprika, brown sugar, thyme, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It's ideal with tilapia, a mild, flaky white fish that plays well with strong flavors.
No air fryer? No problem. Check out our recipes for Garlicky Lemon Baked Tilapia, Pan-Fried Tilapia, or Grilled Tilapia. Or, if you want to stick with blackened seasoning, we've got the skillet-cooked Blackened Tilapia for you.
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Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp.
finely ground cornmeal
- 2 tsp.
dried oregano
- 2 tsp.
sweet paprika
- 1 tsp.
dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp.
dried thyme
- 1 tsp.
ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp.
garlic powder
- 1 1/4 tsp.
kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp.
freshly ground black pepper, plus more
- 4
(6-oz.) tilapia filets
Olive oil cooking spray
- 2
ripe mangoes, pitted, peeled, and chopped (about 2 1/4 c.)
- 1/2
large red bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 c.)
- 1/2
small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup
chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup
fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- Step 1In a small bowl, combine cornmeal, oregano, paprika, brown sugar, thyme, cumin, garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pat tilapia dry with paper towels; generously season both sides with cornmeal mixture (use it all), pressing to adhere. Spray both sides of fish with cooking spray.
- Step 2In an air-fryer basket, place 1 fillet. Cook at 400° until just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Repeat with remaining fish.
- Step 3Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine mangoes, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, lime juice, oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper.
- Step 4Divide tilapia among plates. Top with mango salsa.
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