Air Fryer Tilapia with Tortilla Crust

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the tortilla chips, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Pulse until the chips are finely crushed, about 10 pulses.

Create a breading station with three shallow bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk the egg and water until no streaks remain. Add the crushed tortilla chip mixture to the third bowl.

Dredge a tilapia fillet in the flour, then shake any excess flour back into the bowl. Next, dip the fillet in the egg mixture, holding it over the bowl for a few seconds to let any excess egg drip back into the bowl. Finally, place the fillet in the bowl of tortilla chip crumbs, flipping it to coat both sides evenly and pressing down a bit so that the crumbs adhere well. Transfer the fillet to the air frying basket. Repeat with the remaining fillets.

Place the black enamel cooking pan in the bottom oven rack position. Place the wire metal oven rack in the second highest position.

Preheat the oven on AIR FRY at 375°F (190°C) and set the cooking time for 12 minutes.

Air fry the fish in the preheated oven. When the "turn food" message comes on, use a thin flexible spatula to flip the fillets, then return them to the oven. TESTER TIP: If the fillets are larger than 4 ounces, you may have to add a few minutes to the cooking time, and they may not all fit in the air frying basket at one time. If this is the case, air fry them in two batches. Alternately, if your fish pieces are on the small side, begin checking them for doneness before the cooking time has finished.

When the cooking program ends, use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the thickest part of each fillet has reached 145°F (63°C). Transfer the fillets to serving plates. Serve with tartar sauce or salsa on the side.

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