Go Back
tortilla crusted tilapia air fryer

Easy Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Air Fryer Recipe (Crispy!)

Crispy tortilla-crusted tilapia fillets made quickly and easily in your air fryer. This family-friendly recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal prep and cleanup in under 20 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 275
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fish
  • 4 tilapia fillets about 4-6 oz each, patted dry
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 tbsp water
For the Tortilla Coating
  • 3 cups tortilla chips crushed (about 6 oz)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lime zested
  • Olive oil spray

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Shallow Dishes
  • Ziploc Bag

Method
 

Prepare the Coating
  • Place tortilla chips in a ziplock bag and crush using a rolling pin until you have a mixture of fine crumbs and small pieces. Pour into a shallow dish.
  • Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime zest to the crushed chips. Mix well to combine.
  • In a separate shallow dish, beat eggs with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
Coat the Fish
  • Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
  • Dip each fillet into the egg wash, ensuring it's fully coated.
  • Transfer to the tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to both sides of the fish.
Air Fry
  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
  • Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.
  • Cook for 8-10 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 145°F).
  • Serve immediately with lime wedges and your favorite sides.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin or chili powder to the tortilla mixture. If cooking from frozen, add 3-4 minutes to the cooking time. The fish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.