Want a healthy dinner that’s ready in just 22 minutes? This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe delivers perfectly cooked fish with minimal effort. The lightning-fast cooking method locks in moisture while creating a satisfying golden exterior – all with just 109 calories per serving.
Whether you’re a busy parent or health-conscious cook, this lean protein option pairs beautifully with your favorite sides for a complete weeknight meal.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia
- Tilapia Filets: 4 pieces, pat them dry for better coating adhesion
- Spray Oil: Light coating to help breadcrumbs stick and achieve golden crispiness
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon for a mild kick of flavor
- Garlic Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance savory notes
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon for balanced seasoning
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup for a perfect crispy exterior
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Lightly spray each tilapia filet with oil to create a base for the coating
- Season Mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic salt, and pepper until well mixed
- Coating Setup: Place breadcrumbs in a ziplock bag and add the spice mixture, shake well to blend
- Breading Process: Place each filet in the seasoned breadcrumb bag, gently press to coat all sides evenly
- Air Frying: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness
Perfect Air Fryer Tips
Want the crunchiest coating on your tilapia? Leave some space between each fillet in your air fryer basket – this lets the hot air flow freely around the fish. A light spray of oil on both sides helps the coating turn beautifully golden. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches rather than overcrowding.
Quick Substitutions
No regular breadcrumbs? Try panko for extra crunch! You can also swap the garlic salt for regular salt plus 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Feel free to use any white fish like cod or haddock if tilapia isn’t available. For a gluten-free version, crush pork rinds or use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Tasty Serving Ideas
This crispy tilapia tastes amazing with a squeeze of fresh lemon! Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, add some rice or roasted potatoes. Want a sauce? Try tartar sauce, remoulade, or just a simple mix of mayo and sriracha.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover cooked tilapia in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – this brings back the crispy coating. The breading might not be quite as crunchy as fresh, but it’ll still taste great!
Air Fryer Tilapia
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Ziplock Bag
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia filets
- Spray oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Spray tilaipa filets with a little bit of oil and set aside.
- Combine spices in small bowl.
- Put breadcrumbs in ziplock bag. Add spices to bag and shake well to combine.
- One at a time, place tilapia into bag and gently press breadcrumb mixture into the fish. Make sure all sides are coated, and repeat for each filet.
- Cook filets for 10-12 minutes at 400°F or 200°C in air fryer basket. Flip filets halfway through cooking.
