Air fryer Breaded Tilapia

Two golden breaded tilapia fillets after air frying on a black plate with a bowl of dip

Air fryer Breaded Tilapia

This delicious air fryer tilapia is superbly crispy and tasty. it is ready in 15 minutes and is perfect for weeknight meals. Try this recipe today.

Course Accompaniment | Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer fish, air fryer tilapia

recipe air fryer fish, air fryer tilapia

Prep Time 7

Cook Time 8

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 306kcal

Author Rachna Parmar

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

4 Tilapia fillets

For breading

1 egg
1.5 cups breadcrumbs
1 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. paprika or Kashmiri chilli powder
1 tsp. chili powder or spicy cayenne (skip if you prefer less heat)
½ tsp. fennel crushed
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
1 tsp. oil for spraying

Instructions

Wash and completely dry fresh tilapia fillets and keep aside.
In a shallow dish, beat one egg and keep.
Add all the spices to the breadcrumbs and mix well. Keep in a shallow dish. You could use panko breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs too.
Now preheat the Air fryer at 200 C or 390 F for 4 minutes.

For assembling the fillets

Take one filet at a time. Use only one hand so that both your hands don’t become messy while dipping the fillet.
Dip both sides of the fillet in the egg wash. Bring out and immediately put in the breadcrumb mixture. Flip both sides till the breading sticks. Repeat the process for all the fillets.

Air frying Instructions

Brush the basket with some oil. Arrange one or two fillets on the basket depending upon the size of your fillets. Make sure not to overcrowd.
Air fry at 200 C or 390 F for 8-10 minutes. After 3-4 minutes, take out the basket and lightly spray or brush the fillets with oil. No need to flip them.
After 6 minutes keep an eye on the time. Once the breading looks golden brown, take the basket out.
Take out the fish fillets and serve immediately with a dip.
If having it as a meal, serve with rice and salad.

Notes

1. Do not store the air fried fish once done or it will get soggy. I prefer to serve it fresh.
2. Dip the fillet in the breading just before putting them for air frying. That keeps everything crispy.
3. Do not flip the fish midway during the cooking or it may break.
4. You can use a parchment paper cut to the size of the basket if your fish sticks to the basket. I have shared other tips in the FAQs below the recipe.
5. You can vary the spices used as per your taste. This recipe is moderately spicy.
6. You can use other fishes like cod, salmon, catfish or any other firm white fish.
7. Check out the recipe video to make the perfect fish.

Nutrition