This easy Easy Lemon Pepper Fish recipe can be made two ways: crispy breaded or seared using cod, tilapia, catfish, or any white fish you choose. This dish is drizzled in a zesty lemon butter sauce for mouthwatering flavor.
If you’re fan of recipes like my Air Fryer Catfish, Pan Seared Salmon, and Air Fryer Fish Sticks you will love this recipe!
What Type of Fish to Use
You can use any white fish such as cod, tilapia, catfish, etc. I love to use cod.
How to Get Lemon Flavor
You will need to use quality lemon pepper seasoning to actually add flavor to the fish. I also love the Lemon Garlic Seasoning from Trader Joe’s.
Once the fish is cooked (you can bake, sear, or air fry it), I love to drizzle it in a lemon butter sauce for even more flavor.
How to Zest a Lemon
I use this lemon zester from Amazon. You can also use a box/cheese grater. If using the zester hold it one hand and the lemon in the other. Graze the lemon over it, away from you and back and forth. You can read more about How to Zest a Lemon here.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Fish
- Pat the fish dry.
- Season the fish with lemon pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and fish fry breaded (for breaded fish).
- Air fry, bake, or sear.
- Combine lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter in a saucepan on medium-high heat.
- Drizzle over the cooked fish.
Breaded Fish
If you want breaded fish, you will need fish fry breading mix. You can make your own using 1/2 cup yellow corn meal and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. If air frying, be sure to spritz the fish with oil after breading, and spray any white spots to ensure proper crisping.
Fish With No Breading
You can make this recipe without breading by adding spices to the fish and then air fry, sear, or bake and drizzle the fish in lemon butter sauce.
Lemon Butter Sauce
The homemade lemon butter sauce is what takes the fish to the next level. You can dip the cooked fish in the sauce while serving, or glaze the fish in the sauce.
How to Reheat
I don’t recommend the microwave for cooked fish. You risk tough texture when using the microwave. I recommend the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees until warm.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
Leftover fish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and follow the instructions above to reheat.
Pair With These Recipes
Air Fryer Fries
Air Fryer Green Beans
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
More Lemon Pepper Recipes
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Hot Lemon Pepper Wings
Easy Lemon Pepper Fish
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets I used cod, approximately 1 pound total
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Regular paprika is fine.
- salt to taste
- cooking oil I use olive oil.
- 1/4-1/2 cup fish fry breading Only necessary for breaded fish. Use enough to fully coat the fish.
Lemon Pepper Glaze
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice For me, this was the juice from 1 small lemon.
- 1 1/2-2 teaspoons lemon zest Use 2 teaspoons for bold lemon flavor. This was 1 small lemon.
Instructions
Breaded Fish
- Ensure the fish is completely dry.
- Combine the fish fry breading, paprika, lemon pepper, and salt in a bowl large enough to dredge the fish.
- Sprinkle the fish fry onto both sides of each fillet. Ensure the entire filet is coated with breading. Add additional breading if necessary. See notes if you struggle with getting the breading to adhere.
- Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the breaded fish in the air fryer basket. Spray the fish with cooking oil. Air fry on 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Flip the fish halfway through. Cook time will vary based on the size and how thick the fish fillets are.Top the fish with the lemon pepper glaze or use it for dipping. I like to top the fish with glaze and then air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes for the glaze to seep in.
- Oven: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Placed the breaded fish on the parchment paper. Spray the fish with cooking oil.Bake on 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cook time will vary based on the size and how thick the fish fillets are.Top the fish with the lemon pepper glaze or use it for dipping.
Non-Breaded Fish
- Ensure the fish is completely dry.
- Sprinkle both sides of the fish with lemon pepper, paprika, and salt to taste. Rub the spices into the fish.
- Pan Sear: Add 1 teaspoon of cooking oil or butter to a skillet on medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned fish. Do not overcrowd the pan. The fish shouldn't touch. Cook the fish in batches if needed.Cook the fish for 2-3 minutes on each side until the fish is cooked through. It will turn opaque at the center. The fish will easily flake with a fork when it has finished cooking.Top the fish with the lemon pepper glaze.
- Air Fryer: Add the seasoned fish to the air fryer. Air fry on 400 degrees for 7-10 minutes or until the fish is flaky. Cook time will vary based on the size and how thick the fish fillets are.Top the fish with the lemon pepper glaze.
- Oven: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Placed the seasoned fish on the parchment paper.Bake on 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until the fish is flaky. Cook time will vary based on the size and how thick the fish fillets are.Top the fish with the lemon pepper glaze.
Lemon Pepper Glaze
- Add the butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a saucepan on medium-high heat. Stir and cook until the lemon zest has dissolved.
Meghann
Tuesday 4th of July 2023
Perfect to get back in to cooking after a crazy month moving. The lemon pepper glaze made the fish that much better. Paired great with the air fryer green beans.
staysnatched
Saturday 8th of July 2023
That sounds so good!
Sydney
Thursday 29th of June 2023
Another quick easy and delicious meal!
Debbie
Sunday 19th of February 2023
Made this tonight. It was so easy and so good, and my husband actually liked it! 🎉 I used cod and did the unbreaded baked version. Pinning it and adding it to my make again list. Thank you!
staysnatched
Monday 20th of February 2023
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Theresa
Tuesday 4th of October 2022
Made the non breaded, oven version and it was incredible! Been trying to incorporate more fish into my diet and this was the perfect way to do it. Paired it with the air fryer green beans and the roasted ranch potatoes and it was the perfect meal. Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched
Tuesday 4th of October 2022
That's a great pairing!
Monica R
Thursday 8th of September 2022
I made this without the breading, in the air fryer, and it was the easiest recipe ever! We're in the middle of heat wave, so being able to get a quick, healthy meal without sweating out my blowout (LOL), and warming up the house, was amazing! Thank you, Brandi!
staysnatched
Thursday 8th of September 2022
I’m glad you enjoyed it!