If your air fryer has been sitting unused, now is the perfect time to bring it back into rotation. This quick air fryer keto white fish takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and yields tender, flaky fillets that make an ideal low-carb weeknight dinner. Minimal oil is required because the fast, circulating heat keeps the fish moist while producing a delicate exterior. A bright sprinkle of lemon pepper adds a fresh, flavorful finish.
Why we love this Air Fryer Keto White Fish Recipe
The air fryer produces an even, fast heat that cooks white fish to a perfect, flaky texture in just 10–15 minutes. If you prefer a firmer fillet, add a minute or two. Because the cooking time is short, you’ll rarely need more than a light spray of oil—this keeps the dish low in fat while preserving moisture. Lemon pepper seasoning brightens the taste without adding carbs, making this a simple, satisfying, and healthy option any night of the week.
Video: Air Fryer Keto White Fish Recipe
Best types of white fish for air frying
Many white fish varieties work well in the air fryer. Budget-friendly options like tilapia are excellent, while thicker, pricier fillets such as cod, halibut, and sole also cook beautifully. Choose sustainably sourced fish when possible and adjust cooking time for thicker fillets.
Tips for Air Frying white fish
- Rinse fillets gently and pat dry; remove any small bones.
- Season as you like—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or lemon pepper all work well.
- Prevent sticking by lightly spraying the air fryer basket or using a perforated parchment sheet or silicone mat designed for air fryers.
- Thicker fillets (halibut, cod) need 1–2 extra minutes of cooking compared with thin fillets like tilapia.
- If cooking multiple fillets in one batch, you may need a few extra minutes to ensure even cooking.
- For a low-carb crust, try a Parmesan-crusted variation.
- See the recipe card below for full details and nutrition information.
Air Fryer Keto White Fish With Lemon Pepper
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 g) tilapia fillets, or other white fish (2 fillets, about 6 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional
- Lemon wedges, optional
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Perforated silicone mat or perforated parchment paper (recommended to prevent sticking)
Instructions
-
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
-
Rinse and pat the fillets dry. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray and season with garlic powder, lemon pepper, onion powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
-
Prevent sticking: Place a perforated silicone mat or perforated parchment inside the air fryer basket and lightly spray it. If you don’t use a liner, spray the basket well so the fish won’t stick.
-
Lay the fillets on the liner without overlapping. Add lemon wedges if desired.
-
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 6–12 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time varies with fillet thickness, temperature of the fish, and personal preference.
-
(Optional) Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Solutions to keep the fish from sticking to air fryer base
White fish is delicate and can tear if it sticks to the basket or rack. To avoid this, use a reusable silicone liner or perforated parchment. Silicone liners are reusable and easy to clean; parchment sheets are single-use but work well when you aren’t reheating the fryer without food. Aluminum foil can also be used carefully to line the basket.
Do Perforated Parchment Paper Liners Work?
Yes—perforated parchment sheets help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, but they are single-use. Perforated silicone mats are reusable and generally more durable for repeated use. The perforations allow hot air to circulate for even cooking. Choose the size that fits your air fryer basket and avoid preheating the fryer with an unweighted parchment sheet in place.
Tips for Storing Leftover Fish
If you do have leftovers, store cooked fish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight bags or containers and use within a month to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating briefly in a skillet or microwave.
More Easy Low Carb Recipes:
- Skillet healthy white fish with lemon and capers
- Super easy tuna salad
- Healthy chicken and broccoli
- Air fryer cauliflower
- Keto deviled eggs
- Roasted broccoli steaks