Fried Tilapia Fish Fillet

One of my go-to dishes whenever I want a quick, yet delicious, meal is crispy fried tilapia.  With just a few simple ingredients, a thin batter, and a few minutes in a hot pan, the fish turns golden brown, fragrant, and perfectly crispy.  Even though air fryers are now more convenient and use less oil, I still prefer the deep-frying method—the rich flavor of the fish and the crispy crust always make a meal special.  This dish pairs well with hot rice and is a great accompaniment to salad for a quick dinner.

 

Prep time 10 min.

Cook time 10 min.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 fillets of tilapia, thawed if frozen

1/3 cup oil for frying

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp cornmeal powder

Seasoning to taste:

Dry oregano, garlic powder, onion powder,  salt & pepper

1 egg

2 tbsp milk

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and all seasonings.  Mix well.

In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk.

Pat the fish fillets dry.  Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the flour–cornmeal mixture.  Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).  Fry the fillets until golden brown on both sides.

Remove and drain excess oil.  Serve with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Instructions:

Mixing the coating:  

In a small bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and all seasonings.

Preparing the wet mixture:  

Beat the egg with milk in another bowl.

Coating the fish:  

Pat the fish dry.  Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the flour–cornmeal mixture.

Let the coated fish rest for 5–10 minutes so the crust sticks better.

Preheating the air fryer:  

Set to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Air frying:  

Lightly spray the basket with oil.  Place the fish in a single layer and spray a thin mist of oil on top.

Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Serving:  

Enjoy with rice, salad, or steamed vegetables for a light and balanced meal.