Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is important because removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and allows the fish to cook evenly and develop a lightly crisp exterior in the air fryer. If the fillets are very large, cut them into evenly sized portions so they cook at the same rate.

Season the fish: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the lemon juice and hot sauce, if using, and stir until the mixture forms a smooth, slightly thick paste. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fish fillet, gently pressing it into the surface to ensure full coverage and bold flavor.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.

Air fry the fish: Place the seasoned fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping the fillets carefully halfway through cooking. The fish should turn opaque, flake easily with a fork, and develop lightly crisp edges with a deep golden-red color from the spices.

Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the fish fillets from the air fryer and let them rest for 2–3 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and keeps the fish tender. Serve immediately while hot, with extra lemon wedges or a cooling dip to balance the spice.