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Crispy fried tilapia fillets with a golden crust served with fresh lemon wedges
Isaac blogger

Crispy Fried Tilapia recipe:

Crispy Fried Tilapia is a quick, pan-fried fish recipe made with lightly seasoned tilapia fillets cooked until golden and flaky. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a simple, budget-friendly dinner that pairs well with classic sides like coleslaw, rice, or vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb tilapia fillets (4 pieces)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola/peanut oil)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin

  2. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Prepare Fish
  4. Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels. If desired, season lightly with a small pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Mix Coating
  6. Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
  7. Coat
  8. Dredge each fillet in seasoned flour and shake off excess.
  9. Heat Oil
  10. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  11. Cook
  12. Place fish in pan without overcrowding. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Fish is done when opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
  13. Serve
  14. Transfer to paper towel–lined plate and serve warm with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Dry fish thoroughly for best browning.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Flip only once to keep coating intact.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store airtight up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through.