Simple and Easy Air-Fried Tilapia

Written by Indy Patschke

If your usual dinner rotation includes ramen, frozen pizza, or microwaved meals, it is definitely time for an upgrade. Fish has been a classic staple meal in most households for thousands of years. It can be extremely simple to cook, especially with an air fryer, and it tastes absolutely amazing. To me, tilapia is one of the best-tasting fish out there because it doesn't have that super fishy taste. However, feel free to use another fryable fish for this recipe if you so wish. This recipe is cheap, fast, and perfect for students!

Air fryers have become super popular over the last few years. I don't know many people, especially college students, who do not have one as an essential item in their kitchen. You can make thousands of recipes in an air fryer, and this air fryer tilapia recipe is one of the best ones in my mental cookbook. The air fryer gives the fish a crispy edge without putting it in a deep fryer or using oils. You can also cook multiple pieces at the same time, depending on how large your air fryer is, and just sit back and wait for your next favorite meal to be completed.

Now, be warned, this can be a bit messy depending on how skilled you are at dipping fish into eggs without using your hands or getting any remnants on the table. I prefer to use my hands, as I find it easier to coat all sides of the fish, but using a fork or tongs is also an acceptable choice.

If you are trying to level up your palate without leveling up your stress, this recipe is perfect. It is packed with protein, flavor, no grease, and minimal fat. This is really good food that is actually healthy, especially when paired with a vegetable. You can add your air-fried fish to tacos, bowls, sandwiches, or whatever your heart desires. You can spice it up with additional seasonings, such as garlic, cayenne pepper, or red pepper. I like to use Old Bay---the best fish and crab seasoning out there. (Can you tell I’m from Maryland?) Customizable meals are always a win for me because one day I may want my fish to be plain, and the next day I might want it to scorch my tongue! Customizable meals are great for students because they can help prevent a routine of eating the same things over and over again. Cooking meals that can last a few days and be made into other kinds of food is perfect because you will be using your leftovers, but it will feel like an entirely new meal! It also has minimal cleanup, just three bowls and a plate for your raw fish.

I love air-fried meals for their simplicity. I love heating frozen chicken nuggets as much as everyone, but I promise this recipe will taste even better, and your stomach will thank you.

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Full Recipe:

Total Time: 15-20 minutes

Serves: 4-6 people, depending on the size of the fish

Equipment:

• 3 bowls

• 1 plate for raw fish

Ingredients:

• Tilapia (or any kind of fryable fish)

• Flour

• Egg

• Breadcrumbs

• Salt

• Old Bay (or preferred seasoning)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400º.

2. Fill one bowl with flour.

3. Take another bowl and fill it with 2-3 eggs per fillet of fish, depending on size.

4. Fill the last bowl with bread crumbs.

5. Set your bowls in that order: flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.

6. You can add more ingredients to each bowl later if necessary; there are no strict measurements required.

7. Take your fish out of the package and cut it into preferred portion-sized pieces. Try to size them to be able to fit into the three bowls.

8. Sprinkle your pieces of fish with Old Bay and salt on all sides.

9. One at a time, lay each piece of fish into the flour bowl, coating all sides, then douse it in the eggs, making sure to cover all of the flour.

10. Lay fish in the final breadcrumb bowl and cover in breadcrumbs so as not to see any fish underneath.

11. Place each piece of fish on your air fryer tray or your tinfoil and put it in the air fryer.

12. If you have a tray with ventilation, set your timer for 8-10 minutes.

13. If your fish is placed on tin foil, set your timer for 4-5 minutes. When those minutes are up, flip the fish to the other side and cook for another 4-5 minutes.

14. Take it out of the air fryer, place it on your plate, let it cool for a minute or two, and enjoy!*

*Notes:

• Best paired with white rice and a green vegetable!

Thumbnail Credit:

Indy Patschke