This 🌿 Quick & Crispy Pan-Fried Tilapia Recipe – A Weeknight Favorite! 🐟✨Lightly seasoned and perfectly golden, this dish delivers crispy edges, tender flaky fish, and BIG flavor in under 20 minutes.
This fried tilapia recipe is a total game-changer! If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and foolproof dinner idea, this is the recipe to make.
Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking solo, this easy skillet fish is a must-try!
Tilapia is one of the best fish options for busy weeknights—it cooks fast, pairs well with almost anything, and soaks up seasonings beautifully.
In this recipe, we use pantry staples like lemon juice, and old bay seasoning to elevate the flavor without complicating the process. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and bursting with savory, citrusy goodness.
How To Make Pan Fried Tilapia
Pair your pan-fried tilapia with fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep, Lent, or anyone looking to eat lighter without sacrificing taste.
📌 Save this recipe for your next seafood night or weeknight dinner rotation. You’ll love how simple and satisfying it is!
Our step-by-step frying method will help you make this recipe with ease. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish.
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Here’s how to make them.
Easy Crispy Pan Fried Tilapia Recipe
Equipment
- Cooking Tongs
Ingredients
- 14 tilapia fillets; washed and patted dry -frozen or fresh
- 1 cup Neutral Oil; vegetable oil, peanut oil, etc.
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- juice from half lemon
For the breading
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup cornmeal
- 1 tbsp. old bay seasoning
- 1 tsp. salt; I used Kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Wash and pat dry the fish thoroughly. Place the fish in a tray, then squeeze the lemon all over the fish, then season with the salt on both sides. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the breading.
- Prepare the breading: In a medium bowl, prepare the breading by adding all the ingredients together. Mix well to combined.
- Bread the fish on both sides.
- Prepare for frying: In a cast-iron skillet, add 1 cup of oil. Allow the oil to come to temperature between 330℉ but no more than 350℉.Then fry the fish 2 at a time.
- Remove and place on a wire rack or paper toweled plate. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
✅ How Long to Fry Tilapia:
- 2 to 4 minutes per side over medium to medium-high heat.
- Total cook time: 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
🔥 Tips for Best Results:
- Use a hot skillet with about 1–2 tablespoons of oil (like olive oil, canola, or butter for extra flavor).
- The tilapia is ready to flip when the edges turn golden and the fish releases easily from the pan.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon and sprinkle chopped herbs on top right before serving to boost freshness and flavor.
The lemon juice really makes the flavors in the breading pop! Super easy to make and the tilapia cooks quickly
This recipe turned out so yummy! It was easy to prepare and the entire family loved it. I can’t wait to make it again!!
I am pretty sure that this dish is delicious. I cooked tilapia today in my air fryer, which was really good!
Thank you!
I’m always looking for quick weeknight meals, and this tilapia recipe was spot-on. Crisp outside, tender inside—perfect with a side salad!
After years living in the Philippines, Tilapia is my favorite fish. This pan fried version was new to me, but it tasted incredible. Great seasoning blend on top and definitely one I’ll be making again.
Nothing’s better than fried fish, especially when it’s tilapia. The texture and flavor are perfect for frying. Love this one.
I love that breading! I like it better when it has some texture vs beer-battered. Amazing!