Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, irresistibly crunchy tilapia fillet that's packed with flavor and requires zero deep-frying guilt! This Crunchy Oven Fried Tilapia recipe is about to revolutionize your seafood game, offering restaurant-quality crispiness right from your home oven. Whether you're a busy parent, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves delicious, easy meals, this recipe will become your new weeknight superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the tilapia will cook evenly and achieve a nice crunch.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This will prevent the fish from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the two eggs until they are well combined. This will act as the adhesive for the breadcrumbs.
- In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs based on your preference.
- Take each tilapia fillet and first coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured fillet into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, press the egg-coated fillet into the breadcrumbs, making sure to cover it completely for a crunchy texture. Repeat this process for all fillets.
- Place the breaded tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray. This will help them brown and become crispy in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help retain moisture.
- Serve the crunchy oven-fried tilapia with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad, rice, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Pat your tilapia fillets completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for even more crunch and better air circulation.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like dried parsley or garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each fillet space to crisp up properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your fish reaches the perfect 145°F internal temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the optimal crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
