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3 Easy Tilapia Recipes: Air Fryer, Baked & Pan-Fried for Healthy Meals
rbk_her
35m
3 Easy Tilapia Recipes: Air Fryer, Baked & Pan-Fried for Healthy Meals
Author:
rbk_her
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3 Easy Tilapia Recipes: Air Fryer, Baked & Pan-Fried for Healthy Meals

Discover three incredibly easy and delicious ways to cook tilapia that will banish boring dinners! This video showcases how to prepare tilapia in an air fryer for a crispy, light texture; baked with butter and lemon for a soft, juicy result; or pan-fried with savory onion and cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Perfect for healthy and quick weeknight meals, choose your favorite method or try all three for a versatile fish dish.
#Tilapia
#Fish
#Healthy
#Quick Dinner
#Air Fryer
#Baked Fish
#Pan-Fried
#Easy Recipe
Crispy Air-Fried Tilapia
Crispy Air-Fried Tilapia

Recipe Information

15m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
3
Servings
Easy
International / Healthy
Spanish
Nutrition (per serving)
280
Calories
35g
Protein
15g
Carbs
9g
Fat
Juicy Baked Tilapia with Lemon
Juicy Baked Tilapia with Lemon

Ingredients

  • Tilapia Fillets
    (approx. 150-180g (5-6 oz) each, skinless, boneless)

    3 fillets

  • Salt

    to taste
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  • Black Pepper

    to taste

  • Olive Oil
    (for pan-frying and baking, plus a spray for air fryer)

    3 tablespoons

  • Lemon
    (sliced or juiced, for baked and air fryer methods)

    2

  • All-purpose Flour
    (for breading (air fryer method))

    1 cup

  • Egg
    (beaten, for breading (air fryer method))

    1
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  • Panko Breadcrumbs
    (or regular breadcrumbs, for breading (air fryer method))

    1 cup

  • Unsalted Butter
    (melted or softened, for baked method)

    2 tablespoons

  • Garlic Powder
    (for baked method, or 1 clove minced fresh garlic)

    1 teaspoon

  • Small Onion
    (thinly sliced or diced, for pan-fried method)

    1

  • Cherry Tomatoes
    (halved, for pan-fried method)

    1 cup
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  • Fresh Parsley
    (chopped, for garnish (optional))

    1 tablespoon
Servings: 3
💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Flavorful Pan-Fried Tilapia
Flavorful Pan-Fried Tilapia

Instructions

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  • 1

    Prepare Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. If making all three variations, separate fillets for each method.
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    3m
    Step 1 visual
    Preview
    Prepare Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. If making all three variations, separate fillets for each method.
    3m

    Drying the fish helps seasonings adhere better and ensures a crispier finish.
  • 2

    Method 1: Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge one seasoned tilapia fillet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 2 visual
    Preview
    Method 1: Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge one seasoned tilapia fillet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
    5m

    Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the fish to ensure a good coating.
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  • 3

    Air Fry Breaded Tilapia: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Lightly spray the breaded tilapia with olive oil. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    10m
    Step 3 visual
    Preview
    Air Fry Breaded Tilapia: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Lightly spray the breaded tilapia with olive oil. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
    10m

    Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for best crispiness.
  • 4

    Method 2: Baked Tilapia with Butter and Lemon. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place one seasoned tilapia fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter, lemon juice, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Place a slice of lemon on top.
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    5m
    Step 4 visual
    Preview
    Method 2: Baked Tilapia with Butter and Lemon. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place one seasoned tilapia fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter, lemon juice, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Place a slice of lemon on top.
    5m

    You can add a dash of paprika for extra color and flavor.
  • 5

    Bake Tilapia: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Do not overcook to keep it juicy.
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    15m
    Step 5 visual
    Preview
    Bake Tilapia: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Do not overcook to keep it juicy.
    15m

    For best results, check for doneness at the minimum recommended time.
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  • 6

    Method 3: Pan-Fried Tilapia with Onion and Cherry Tomatoes. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to burst.
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    7m
    Step 6 visual
    Preview
    Method 3: Pan-Fried Tilapia with Onion and Cherry Tomatoes. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to burst.
    7m

    You can add a minced garlic clove along with the onions for more flavor.
  • 7

    Cook Tilapia in Pan: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the empty side and place the seasoned tilapia fillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    10m
    Step 7 visual
    Preview
    Cook Tilapia in Pan: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the empty side and place the seasoned tilapia fillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    10m

    Be careful not to overcook; tilapia cooks quickly.
  • 8

    Serve: Serve any of the three tilapia dishes immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy meal!
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    1m
    Step 8 visual
    Preview
    Serve: Serve any of the three tilapia dishes immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy meal!
    1m

    These dishes pair well with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
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💡 Tip: Click on any step to mark it as completed and track your cooking progress!

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