Air Fried Tilapia Recipe with Mango Salsa at the Table

A bowl of coconut rice with air fried tilapia and mango salsa.

Crusted with a light Panko batter, air fried tilapia is a better-for-you fried fish recipe that’s lower in carbs and fat but packed full of protein. Served over a bed of coconut rice and topped with zingy mango salsa, it’s a complete meal full of flavor!

Why You’ll Love Air Fried Tilapia

If you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, this is your sign. Seriously, they’re extremely popular for good reason! After all, not only are they super fast but also great for turning all your go-to fried foods into slightly healthier meals. This air fried tilapia is no different! It’s:

High-protein
Light, crunchy, and crackly
Ready in just 15 minutes
Reliable served over rice, in tortillas, and more!

What Is Tilapia?

Tilapia is a white, freshwater fish that is high-protein, low-carb, and low-fat. Fairly mild in flavor, it’s used in a wide variety of recipes and can be baked, fried, grilled, or even cooked in the skillet!

spices to create the breading for air fried tilapia

Air Fried Tilapia Ingredients

For this recipe, we created the lightest air fried tilapia you’ll ever taste, but we didn’t stop there! We paired it with a refreshing mango salsa and fluffy coconut rice for a satisfying meal that tastes great. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Tilapia

Tilapia – Fresh tilapia filets form the base of this dish.
Breading – To create a light coating we used a combination of Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and all-purpose flour. However, if needed, feel free to swap out any breadcrumbs you prefer.
Seasonings – For a slightly spicy, savory flavor we included chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mango Salsa

Mango – Full of vitamin C, fresh mango is unbelievably decadent and sweet.
Veggies – A blend of tomato, red onion, cucumber, and jalapeño create a nice crunch and slightly spicy, refreshing flavor.
Avocado – A great source of healthy fats, the creaminess of diced avocado balances out the texture of the rest of the ingredients, creating the reliable balance of taste and texture.
Seasonings – Fresh pepper, a dash of lemon juice, and cilantro help elevate the natural ingredients.

Coconut Rice

Rice – For the finest results, we recommend using either short-grain white rice or Jasmine rice.
Coconut Milk – Absorbed by the rice, coconut milk adds the creamiest texture.
Water – Water helps dilute the coconut milk so that it does not completely overpower the rice.
Salt – Just a dash of salt is the secret to creating the tastiest, fluffiest rice you’ll ever make.

tilapia being dredge in egg wash with flour and breadcrumbs to the side

How to Make Air Fried Tilapia with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Just as with the ingredient list, we’ve broken down this recipe into three components to help you create a complete meal. Feel free to make them all, or pick what you need!

Air Fried Tilapia

Combine the seasonings.
Add the flour and half of the Panko to a small bowl.
In a second bowl, combine the rest of the Panko, Parmesan, and seasonings.
Whisk the eggs in a third bowl.
Dip the tilapia in the bowl with eggs, then the flour, and back into the eggs. Finish by coating it with the Panko and Parmesan mixture.
Air fry at 375° Fahrenheit for 14-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Mango Salsa

Chop the produce.
Add the ingredients to a bowl, and mix to combine.
Top with lemon juice and seasonings.

Coconut Rice

Place all of the ingredients in a saucepan over high heat, and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Fluff with a fork, and serve!

air fried tilapia in the basket of an air fryer

Air Fryer Tips

Using an air fryer for the first time can be intimidating, but don’t worry! It’s really simple. Take a look at a few of our top tips to ensure your tilapia comes out incredible every time.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer. You’ll want to make sure that none of your fish is overlapping in the basket. If needed, you may need to air fry it in batches!

Use a Meat Thermometer. Depending on the size of your tilapia, the cooking times may vary. To ensure you don’t under or overcook your fish, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit.

Use Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper. This will help prevent your tilapia from sticking to the air fryer basket and makes for simple clean-up!

overhead image of ingredients for mango salsa in a bowl

Can I Use Frozen Tilapia?

We prefer to use fresh, but frozen tilapia will work, too. Just be sure to let it thaw first! Otherwise, it won’t cook evenly.

Storage and Reheating

If you want to make this meal ahead of time, we recommend storing all of the ingredients separately. Kept in an airtight container, air fried tilapia will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Meanwhile, mango salsa will keep for up to 1-2 days, and coconut rice can be stored for up to 5 days.

Reheating: The finest way to reheat your air fried tilapia is to place it back in the air fryer for about 3 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached. Or, you could warm it in a skillet on the stove, if you prefer.

a white plate with a bed of coconut rice, air fried tilapia, and fresh mango salsa

Common Questions about Air Fried Tilapia

How long does it take to air fry tilapia?

Air frying tilapia is speedy and simple! It usually takes around 15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for flaky, perfectly cooked fish.

What makes mango salsa a good topping for tilapia?

The sweet and tangy mango salsa provides a refreshing contrast to the mild and savory fish! Plus, the chunky salsa complements the flaky fish.

Can I make mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, it’s often better to let the flavors come together for a few hours in the refrigerator before serving.

What other fruits can I use in salsa besides mango?

Pineapple, peach, or even a mix of fruits can add unique twists to your salsa.

More Air Fryer Recipes You Won’t Want to Miss

Tender on the inside and crackly on the outside, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are flavor-loaded for a side no one can resist.
These tasty Mini Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are an absolutely delightful treat!
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Wings are outrageously lively and completely irresistible.
Oil-free and full of plant-based protein, Air Fryer Falafel is the finest falafel you’ll ever taste.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 4 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins

Served over a bed of coconut rice, this air fried tilapia with mango salsa is a healthy dinner the whole family will love! Email

Ingredients

Air Fried Tilapia

2 Tablespoons chilli powder
1 Tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs whisked
4 Tilapia pieces

Mango Salsa

1 small diced fresh mango
1 medium diced tomato
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced english cucumber
1 seeded and chopped jalapeño
1 medium diced ripe avocado
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
juice of half a lemon or lime
1/2 teaspoon salt

Coconut Rice

2 cups rinsed short grain or jasmine rice
14 ounces canned coconut milk
1 cup water
2 teaspoons sea salt

Instructions

In a small bowl mix the seasonings, and set aside.2 Tablespoons chilli powder, 1 Tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons sea salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
In a shallow bowl add flour and half of the seasoning mixture. In another bowl add the panko, parmesan cheese, and the rest of the seasonings. In a third shallow bowl, add the whisked eggs.1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3 eggs whisked
Dip the tilapia into the egg, then into the flour, then back into the egg, then coat with the panko and parmesan. 4 Tilapia pieces
Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 14-15 minutes, making sure to flip halfway through.

Mango Salsa

Add all the diced ingredients in a bowl. Squeeze lemon juice, and adjust the seasonings to taste.1 small diced fresh mango, 1 medium diced tomato, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup diced english cucumber, 1 seeded and chopped jalapeño, 1 medium diced ripe avocado, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, juice of half a lemon or lime, 1/2 teaspoon salt

Coconut Rice

In a large pot , add rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.2 cups rinsed short grain or jasmine rice, 14 ounces canned coconut milk, 1 cup water, 2 teaspoons sea salt

Assembly

Place a serving of the cooked rice on a plate, add a piece of the air fried tilapia, and top with the mango salsa! Garnish with a lemon or lime and some fresh cilantro.

Equipment

Nera Matte Black Stainless Mixing Bowls, Set of 3

4 Mixing Bowls Cosori Air Fryer.

1 Air Fryer Beige Our Place Perfect Pot

1 Large Pot

Notes

Cod can be substituted for tilapia. Peach can be substituted for mango. Oven Option: Bake the tilapia at 400° F for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through.