This golden, crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is an ideal choice for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. Ready in under 20 minutes, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides and is sure to become a family favorite.
Tilapia cooks exceptionally well in the air fryer. If you enjoy air fryer fish, you’ll find this parmesan-crusted version especially satisfying—crispy on the outside and tender inside. The recipe adapts well to other white fish such as cod or mahi mahi, and you can use fresh or thawed frozen fillets for best results.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Fast and simple to prepare—perfect for busy evenings.
- Uses minimal, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- A tasty way to add more fish to your meals.
- Versatile and pairs well with many side dishes.
Ingredients
- Tilapia: 1½–2 lb of tilapia fillets. Frozen fillets work, but thawed or fresh fillets give the best texture. Other white fish can be substituted.
- Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons to brush on the fillets and the air fryer basket.
- Garlic: ¾ teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic if preferred).
- Breadcrumbs or panko: ¾ cup. Panko yields a crunchier crust; regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives also work.
- Parmesan: ½ cup grated parmesan. Freshly grated gives the best flavor, but pre-grated works fine.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon cracked pepper, and ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste).
Step-by-step instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- In a shallow dish, stir together the breadcrumbs (or panko), grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked pepper.
- Press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides and pressing gently so the crust adheres.
- Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil and place fillets in a single layer; cook in batches if necessary.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the fillets for about 10 minutes total, flipping gently after 5 minutes, then cooking another 3–5 minutes until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your preferred sides.
Recipe tips
- Choose fillets of similar thickness. Fillets that vary widely in size will cook unevenly, leaving thinner pieces overcooked while thicker ones finish later.
- Know your air fryer. Different models vary in heat and airflow. Adjust cooking time slightly and check the fish a minute or two early the first time you try this in a new appliance.
Storage
This parmesan tilapia is best served right after cooking. To store leftovers, place cooled fillets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through to help maintain crispness.
To freeze, cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before reheating for best texture.
Other air fryer recipes
-
Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
-
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
-
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
-
Air Fryer Steak Bites
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Ingredients
- 1½–2 lb tilapia fillets
- 1–2 T olive oil
- ¾ c breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ c grated parmesan
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia dry and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Press each fillet into the mixture to coat.
- Lightly oil the air fryer basket and arrange fillets in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook about 10 minutes total, flipping after 5 minutes, then cook an additional 3–5 minutes until golden and the fish flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Best served fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly, and thaw before reheating.
Tips: Choose fillets of similar thickness for even cooking and adjust times for your specific air fryer model.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 17 g,
Protein: 41 g,
Fat: 11 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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