Crispy Pan-Fried Tilapia
Crispy Pan-Fried Tilapia is a quick and delightful dish that features a golden, crunchy coating enveloping tender, flaky fish. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering impressive flavor with every bite. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that delights everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare your dredging station: In one bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper; in another bowl, whisk the eggs; in a third bowl, place the cornmeal.
- Coat each tilapia fillet by dipping it first in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally the cornmeal, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan about ¼ inch deep until shimmering.
- Carefully fry each coated fillet for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Transfer cooked fillets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil while keeping them warm in an oven set to low heat.
- Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg