Name: Blackened Tilapia
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 fillets tilapia (4-6 ounces each); 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Blackened tilapia is a quick, bold, and flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen in just 10 minutes. Made with a smoky spice blend and lightly seared in olive oil, this dish delivers crisp edges and tender, flaky fish every time. Whether served with rice, salad, or vegetables, blackened tilapia is a perfect weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a favorite for good reason. It’s ready in under 15 minutes, uses minimal ingredients, and doesn’t compromise on flavor. The smoky, spicy seasoning blend creates a beautiful crust on the fish, while the inside remains juicy and tender. Plus, it’s versatile—you can grill, bake, or air fry the fillets based on your preferences. It’s also healthy, low in carbs, and packed with protein, making it ideal for a variety of diets.

Blackened Tilapia

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cumin
cayenne pepper
smoked paprika
salt
pepper
dried thyme
tilapia fillets (4 to 6 ounces each)
olive oil

Directions

In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of each tilapia fillet.
Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on one side.
Flip the fillets and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque in the center.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 11 minutes

Variations

Milder version: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a less spicy option.
Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the cooked fish for a bright, fresh finish.
Oven-baked: Bake the seasoned tilapia in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Air-fried: Cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Fish alternatives: This blackened seasoning also works great on cod, halibut, or salmon.

Storage/Reheating

To store, place leftover blackened tilapia in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the fillets in a covered skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when tilapia is fully cooked?

Tilapia is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque in the center.

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is blackened tilapia spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level, mostly from the cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat to your taste.

What can I serve with blackened tilapia?

Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Can I grill the tilapia instead?

Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and made with wholesome ingredients.

Can I use another type of fish?

Absolutely. This seasoning works well with other white fish like cod or haddock, and even salmon.

Do I need a cast iron skillet?

A cast iron skillet works best for blackening, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do.

Can I prepare the spice rub ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a batch of the spice mix and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?

Make sure the skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, avoid flipping the fish too soon.

Conclusion

Blackened tilapia is a deliciously simple recipe that comes together in minutes with bold flavor and minimal effort. Whether you cook it in a skillet, oven, or air fryer, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with countless sides. With its smoky crust and tender interior, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.