20-Minute Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe

Introduction

Weeknight dinners don’t get easier or more flavorful than this 20-Minute Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia recipe. With its delicate, flaky fish dressed in a tangy, buttery lemon sauce, this dish brightens any table and is ready from prep to plate in just 20 minutes. Fast, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavors, it’s a go-to meal that pleases both the health-conscious and flavor-seekers.

This dish is perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or anyone craving a light, satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Delightfully Simple, Ultra-Flavorful Tilapia

What sets this recipe apart is how effortlessly it delivers a restaurant-quality fish meal with just a handful of pantry staples. The pairing of fresh lemon, creamy butter, and a touch of garlic brings out the tilapia’s sweet, clean flavor, while a quick bake in the oven keeps the fish tender and moist. Plus, it leaves minimal cleanup—making it ideal for even the busiest home cooks.

How to Prepare Your Tilapia and Ingredients

For perfect results, pat your tilapia fillets dry and arrange them on a lined baking sheet. Using the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll ensures your fish won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Use a citrus zester or grater to zest your lemon before juicing it, then mince fresh garlic cloves. If you’re making a fresh side salad, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can streamline slicing and chopping veggies perfectly, saving you time.

Baking Your Lemon Butter Tilapia to Perfection

Brush the tilapia fillets generously with melted butter, and evenly scatter the lemon juice, zest, and minced garlic. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. A quick bake at high temperature is all it takes—test for doneness with a digital thermometer to ensure your fish is perfectly cooked. The ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking gives a fast, accurate reading; tilapia should flake easily and reach 145°F internally.

Instead of a traditional oven, you can bake tilapia in an air fryer for a crisper texture. The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt is an efficient and healthy way to achieve golden, tender fish in even less time.

Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Meal

Serve your lemon butter tilapia on a bed of herbed rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a bright, crisp side salad. Packing leftovers for lunch? Use a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl to keep your salad and fish perfectly fresh for the next day.

Garnish with extra lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and taste. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water for a truly elevated meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 and offers a healthy protein-packed meal at approximately 210 calories per serving (not including side dishes). High in lean protein and rich in omega-3s, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Quick and Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia (Recap)

In just 20 minutes, you’ll enjoy flaky, tender tilapia bathed in buttery lemon-garlic sauce—a dish that strikes the perfect balance between fast, flavorful, and healthful. Reliable results and minimal cleanup make it a standout for cooks of any skill level.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (or preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 400°F if using an air fryer).
2. Line a baking sheet with the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
3. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
5. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes (or in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes), or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For perfectly cooked fish, check the temperature with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking.
7. Remove from the oven and transfer to plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired. Enjoy!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Enjoy this quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing lemon butter baked tilapia recipe for any night of the week!