By Becky Hardin
Updated Jan 13, 2025
What if I tell you that my Air fryer Breaded Tilapia recipe is oil-free yet bursting with flavors and pairs well with fries or veggies and makes a awesome family dinner? Still in denial! This Breaded Tilapia made in air fryer, perfectly crisp from outside and tender from inside, juicy and healthier. Doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned cook or first timer, this Air fryer tilapia won’t let you down on the dinner table.
If you love mess free, easy and healthy recipes than this air fryer fish worth trying. Better then deep frying, almost no oil used, made with pantry staples, flavorful, and come together under in an hour. Does it ring a bell to inspire you enough!
Give this Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia recipe a try! It’s a perfect comforting family recipe to make, enjoy as an appetizer on game day or just a weeknight meal.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia
- Tilapia filets: I am using fresh tilapia for this recipe. Frozen will also work. Make sure that you thaw frozen tilapia completely and pat them dry before starting coating them. If you don’t want to use tilapia, feel free to use salmon, whiting filet, or even flounder, all of which will taste great.
- Egg: Egg is a perfect binder here. Beaten eggs helps holding Panko breadcrumbs evenly and give you a perfect crisp outer layer.
- Panko Breadcrumb: I prefer to use regular Panko breadcrumbs for my recipe, so that other flavors I use, stand out. You can use seasoned breadcrumbs or cornflakes as well. I would not suggest using homemade breadcrumbs as the crust may not be crispy enough. Feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs in case of dietary restrictions.
- Lemon: Any seafood recipe levels up with a lemon wedge and this breaded tilapia is no exception. Either squeeze or just use wedges while serving.
Tips For Success
- If you want to add a bit of spice to this recipe, feel free to add some cayenne pepper and/or creole/Cajun seasoning. serve your tilapia with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, such as tartar, teriyaki or hot sauce.
- Feel free to cut your tilapia into pieces before breading it to make baked tilapia bites.
- I can’t emphasize enough on the fact that pat drying is important. Any extra moisture wont allow crumbs to stick well.
- Thawing before cooking process is another important point. Directly using frozen fish may cook unevenly which may ruin the taste.
- Spray air fryer basket before cooking. Doing so will make sure that coated fish not sticking in the basket and easier flipping. You can use aluminum foil as well here for easy clean up after cooking.
- You can make breaded crisp tilapia in oven as well as on stovetop. Pan fry if no air fryer. Just make sure to cook from all sides for that crunch.
- If you like super crunchy crust, repeat the breading steps few times before.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: First you won’t end up any leftovers from this juicy, tender breaded tilapia, but if any, just store them in a airtight container. You can store for 3-4 days easily.
Freeze: I like to freeze them in two ways, before and after cooking. Both methods work when planning ahead of time. Once you coat the fish with breadcrumbs, carefully place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours. Transfer them in freezer-friendly bags and store for 4-5 months. They won’t stick with each other and remain separate.
If you want to freeze after cooking, then you just need to transfer them in freezer-friendly bags either in portions or all together and just store in the freezer.
Reheat: To reheat air fry them at 400 Degree for 5-10 minutes, or until hot enough.
Serving Suggestions
The Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia is so good, healthy and flavorful entree that pairs well with many side dishes. The best is to serve with a dash of lemon juice or lemon wedges. Mashed Potatoes or Savory Sweet Mashed Potatoes or Baked Mac and Cheese are great soft sides, for the extra crunch and fiber pair with Potato Wedges or Green Bean Almondine or Sauteed Veggies Or Grilled Veggies . Fish is a good source of protein, add some carbs to make a filling meal, Hush Puppies , Cilantro Lime Rice are a few.
5-Star Review
“I made this last night and it was the moistest chicken we’ve ever had. A bit of crispy and the flavor was wonderful. I didn’t have buttermilk and did add lemon juice to 1% milk. I am making it again today. Thank you for this recipe.” – Dawn
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 4 tilapia filets
- ▢ 1 large egg
- ▢ 1 tablespoon water
- ▢ 2 cups breadcrumbs
- ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
- ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a glass bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In another glass bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper, whisking well. 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon water, 2 cups breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels, then dredge each filet through the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. 4 tilapia filets
- Press each filet into the breadcrumb mixture, then place on a clean plate. Repeat with remaining fish.
- Preheat the air fryer at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Spray the inner basket of the air fryer with cooking oil spray.
- Place the fish in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches), spray with cooking oil spray, and cook for 10 minutes. lemon wedges
- Carefully flip the fish and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges.
Becky’s Tips
- Pat Dry Tilapia : Pat drying before use is very important. Any extra moisture won’t allow crumbs to stick well. While using frozen fish take extra precaution. Let them thaw completely and than make them dry.
- Thaw completely before cooking process. Directly using frozen fish may cook unevenly which may ruin the taste.
- Spray air fryer basket before cooking. Doing so will make sure that coated fish not sticking in the basket and easier flipping. You can use aluminum foil as well here for easy clean up after cooking.
- If you like super crunchy crust, repeat the breading step few times before.
- Spice it up with some cayenne pepper and/or creole/Cajun seasoning. serve your tilapia with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, such as tartar, teriyaki or hot sauce.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia Step by Step
Beat The Egg: In a medium size glass bowl combine 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon water. whisking the two ingredients together.
Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl combine 2 cups breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon black ground pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Prepare Tilapia: If using frozen tilapia thaw them completely first and foremost. Fresh or frozen in both case dry your tilapia with paper towels. Take 4 tilapia filets and pat them dry.
Preheat Air fryer & Spray: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees for five minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with non stick cooking spray.
Bread Tilapia: Now I am all set to start coating my tilapia filets. Dredge each filet through the egg wash first evenly and allow excess to drip off. Next press into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure breadcrumbs sticks evenly on all sides. Repeat the same with all filets.
Cook the fish: After preheating carefully transfer the dredged filets When hot, into the basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Single layer ensures cooking evenly.
Flip your fish and cook for another five minutes. How would you know if tilapia filets cooked? First the outer flesh color turn from opaque to white color. Second insert a knife on the thickest part and if you feel the resistance, means filets are cooked well. OR you can use the cooking thermometer, insert on the thickest part and make sure that inside temperature is145°F.
Crunchy, flaky, and delicious Breaded Tilapia in air fryer ready to indulge. Isn’t mouthwatering!!
If you want to eat a healthier version of fried fish, this is the perfect recipe for you.
MoreSimple Air Fryer Recipeswe Love
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Air Fryer Brats
Air Fryer Zucchini
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia filets
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a glass bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In another glass bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper, whisking well. 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon water, 2 cups breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels, then dredge each filet through the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. 4 tilapia filets
- Press each filet into the breadcrumb mixture, then place on a clean plate. Repeat with remaining fish.
- Preheat the air fryer at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Spray the inner basket of the air fryer with cooking oil spray.
- Place the fish in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches), spray with cooking oil spray, and cook for 10 minutes. lemon wedges
- Carefully flip the fish and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Pat Dry Tilapia : Pat drying before use is very important. Any extra moisture won’t allow crumbs to stick well. While using frozen fish take extra precaution. Let them thaw completely and than make them dry.
- Thaw completely before cooking process. Directly using frozen fish may cook unevenly which may ruin the taste.
- Spray air fryer basket before cooking. Doing so will make sure that coated fish not sticking in the basket and easier flipping. You can use aluminum foil as well here for easy clean up after cooking.
- If you like super crunchy crust, repeat the breading step few times before.
- Spice it up with some cayenne pepper and/or creole/Cajun seasoning. serve your tilapia with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, such as tartar, teriyaki or hot sauce.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
