Description
A quick and healthy air fryer tilapia recipe that delivers crispy, flaky fish in under 15 minutes using simple pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 to 1.5 pounds tilapia fillets
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Avocado oil or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and milk together until smooth.
- Dip each fillet into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides.
- Place coated fillets on a plate or wire rack.
- Lightly spray the coated fillets with avocado oil or olive oil spray.
- Arrange fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between them.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Fish is done when opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 2 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.
Notes
Ensure fish is completely dry before coating to prevent soggy breadcrumbs. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. If using frozen fillets, thaw and pat dry thoroughly, or add 2-3 minutes to cooking time if cooking from frozen. Internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
Keywords: air fryer tilapia, healthy dinner, quick fish recipe, crispy tilapia, air fryer fish, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option