Ingredients:

  • 4 (6 oz / 170g) tilapia fillets
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large (100g) eggs
  • 1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp (6g) garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (3g) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) onion powder

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them bone-dry with paper towels to ensure the breading adheres.
  2. Season the raw fillets lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 contains all-purpose flour mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and onion powder; Bowl 2 contains beaten eggs; Bowl 3 contains panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Dip each fillet into the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
  7. Spray the tops of the fillets generously with olive oil using a mister.
  8. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the fillets at the 5-minute mark and spraying the other side with oil.
  9. Remove the fish when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the crust is mahogany-colored.