Air Fryer Crispy Tilapia Fillets
Crunchy panko-crusted tilapia fillets that taste deep-fried but use zero oil, ready in 15 minutes flat.
air-fryer Timer
Set for 10 mins @ 400°F (204°C) (Flip at 5m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Pat 4 tilapia fillets dry and season with salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
Dip in beaten egg, then press into seasoned panko breadcrumbs on both sides.
Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip, and cook 4-5 minutes more until golden and 145°F.
Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Set up two shallow bowls: one with 2 beaten eggs and one with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt.
One hand for wet, one hand for dry. This keeps the breading from clumping on your fingers.
Pat 4 tilapia fillets completely dry. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Dip each fillet in egg, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the panko mixture on both sides. Spray both sides lightly with cooking spray.
A light mist of cooking spray is the secret to getting that deep-fried golden color in the air fryer.
Place breaded fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Carefully flip each fillet and cook 4 to 5 minutes more until the coating is deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Do not crowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around each fillet for even crisping.
Let fillets rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes so the crust stays crispy. Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.
Resting on a wire rack instead of a plate prevents the bottom crust from going soggy.
This is the ultimate kid fish dinner. Tilapia is mild, cheap, and cooks in 10 minutes. The panko crust makes it taste like fish sticks from a restaurant instead of a freezer bag. Make extra because the kids will demolish these.
Already kid-friendly. Cut fillets into fish stick strips before breading for easier little-hand eating. Serve with ketchup or honey mustard.
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes to restore crispiness. Do not microwave.