Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the fish cook evenly and prevents sticking.

Prep the fish. Pat the fillets dry on both sides with paper towels. Drying is key to getting a better texture and helping the seasonings stick.

Mix the seasoning. In a small bowl, stir together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano or thyme, salt, and pepper. If using lemon zest, mix it in for extra brightness.

Oil and season. Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides, pressing lightly so it adheres.

Prepare the basket. Lightly spray the air fryer basket, or place a perforated parchment liner inside. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple.

Air fry. Arrange the fillets in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 7–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Thinner tilapia may take 7 minutes; thicker cod may need closer to 10.

Check for doneness. The fish should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.

Finish with lemon. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot fillets and sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill if you like.

Serve. Pair with a simple side like steamed veggies, a green salad, roasted potatoes, or rice. Add extra lemon wedges on the table.