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This golden and crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a perfect option for a delicious and quick dinner. Less than 20 minutes from start to finish and the perfect complement to so many side dishes. This a great weeknight dinner option the whole family will love!
I LOVE tilapia and fish in the air fryer. These air fryer fish tacos are on our weekly recipe rotation. It’s rare that a week goes by that we don’t make them!
We also make this parmesan crusted chicken recipe often so I thought trying it out with fish would be a good idea, and no doubt, this air fried parmesan tilapia is going to be a new favorite in the dinner rotation!
Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia:
- It’s so quick and easy to make.
- Minimal ingredients needed.
- A great way to add fish to your diet.
- Pairs well with many side dishes!
Recipe Ingredients:
- tilapia: for the most budget friendly, frozen tilapia is a great option but I prefer to buy fresh from the fish market for great flavor and texture. This recipe can work with any white fish such as cod, mahi mahi and more. You also can cook fish from frozen, although thawed is going to produce the best air fryer tilapia.
- olive oil: this is to brush on the air fryer as well as the fish to help coat it with the parmesan mixture. If you have another preference that is fine.
- garlic: I like to use garlic powder in this recipe.
- breadcrumbs or panko: panko will make for a bit crispier texture, but breadcrumbs are fantastic as well in this recipe. You can also opt for the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Gluten free will work great as well.
- parmesan: fresh grated parmesan is our preference, but you can use the grated parmesan from a container with good results.
- seasoning: salt, pepper and Italian seasoning give this dish nice flavor and pairs well with the parmesan.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Start out by patting the tilapia dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil after drying.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning and parmesan.
- Place each tilapia filet into the breadcrumb parmesan mixture and coat evenly, pressing it into the fish to help it adhere.
- Brush the air fryer basket well with olive oil and place the fish evenly in the air fryer. If you need to work in batches, you can.
- Heat for about 10 minutes in a preheated air fryer, gently flipping the fish after 5 minutes and then cooking another 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and easily flakes. Tilapia has an internal temperature of 145°F when it’s done. Make sure to test the thickest part of the tilapia fillet. Serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and your favorite sides.
Recipe Tips:
- Try to select tilapia filets that are approximately the same thickness. If the fish filets’ size vary greatly, they will cook unevenly. This will cause some of the fish to come out very dry.
- All air fryers cook a bit differently. I have two air fryers and they definitely do not cook the same. Know your air fryer and keep an eye on your fish for best results.
Storage:
This air fryer parmesan tilapia is best when served immediately after cooking, but you still can store leftovers if needed. Place in an airtight container and store for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, place in the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes at 350°F or until heated through.
To freeze, allow the fish to cool completely. Place in a freezer safe container, or wrap in aluminum foil (I wrap it twice.) Allow to thaw and reheat for best results.
Other Air Fryer Recipes:
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Ingredients
- 1 ½-2 lb tilapia filets
- 1-2 T olive oil
- ¾ c breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ c grated parmesan
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil after drying.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning and parmesan. Place each tilapia filet into the breadcrumb parmesan mixture and coat evenly, pressing it into the fish to help it adhere.
- Heat in a preheated air fyer to 400°F for about 10 minutes, gently flipping the fish after 5 minutes and then cooking another 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and easily flakes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Try to select tilapia filets that are approximately the same thickness. If the fish filets’ size vary greatly, they will cook unevenly. This will cause some of the fish to come out very dry.
- All air fryers cook a bit differently. I have two air fryers and they definitely do not cook the same. Know your air fryer and keep an eye on your fish for best results.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
couldn’t get the cheese, panko etc to stick. Sprayed each side with olive oil ended up coating first side in the basket, then turning over after 5 minutes and coating the other side. worked out great but kinda messy
Interesting! Crazy that brushing the olive oil didn’t work but the spray did. All in all I’m happy it still came out. Thanks for the feedback!