Southern Fried Tilapia Recipe
This homemade southern-fried tilapia uses the wet batter technique for perfectly crisp fillets. Serve it up with traditional sides for a stellar southern meal.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp. pepper
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the tilapia fillets and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined. Slowly whisk in the buttermilk until a thick batter forms.
- Heat 1⁄2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Working with one fillet at a time, dip into the batter to evenly coat, letting any excess drip off.
- Carefully add the battered fillets to the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried tilapia to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
- Serve the fried tilapia warm with lemon wedges. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Here are some notes on frying tilapia at home:
- Pat tilapia fillets very dry before battering; this helps the coating stick better.
- Allow battered tilapia to sit for 5–10 minutes before frying - let the coating adhere to the fish.
- Maintain an oil temperature of 350-375°F with a thermometer to keep the coating crispy.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet; make sure the fish fries evenly. Fry in batches if needed.
- Adjust the frying time for the thickness of the fillets; thin fillets take less time.
- Drain fried tilapia on a paper towel-lined plate; - absorbs excess grease.
- Sprinkle with extra seasoning right after frying for a flavor boost.
- Let the oil cool completely before straining and storing it for later use.
- Store leftover fried tilapia in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven.
- Swap buttermilk for plain milk or egg in batter for a different texture.
- Add spices, herbs, hot sauce, etc. to the batter to customize the flavor.
- Bake battered tilapia on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Air fry plain or battered tilapia fillets at 400°F for 8–12 minutes until crispy.