Description
Golden, crispy tilapia fillets fried to perfection light, flaky, and full of flavor. A quick and satisfying seafood dish that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
4 tilapia fillets
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (or cornmeal for extra crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
2. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
3. Coat each fillet first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally press into breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry fillets for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove and place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs or a mix of panko and cornmeal.
Pair with coleslaw, fries, or rice for a complete meal.
Tilapia can be substituted with catfish, cod, or haddock.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: crispy fried fish, tilapia fillets, easy seafood recipe, pan-fried fish