Description
This Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia is the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner! Tender white fish gets coated in a crispy blend of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and savory spices, then air fried to golden perfection in just 10 minutes. It’s healthy, protein-packed, and tastes like restaurant-quality fish without any frying or mess!
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each), patted dry
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is SO important – moisture prevents crispy coating!
Lightly brush or spray both sides with olive oil. The oil helps the coating stick and gives that beautiful golden color.
Mix together Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Use a fork to combine everything evenly. The mixture should look like coarse sand with cheese flecks.
Press each oiled fillet firmly into the Parmesan-crumb mixture, coating both sides generously. Really PRESS it on – don’t be shy! You want a thick layer for maximum crispiness.
Make sure to get coating all the way to the edges. If spots look bare, sprinkle more mixture and pat down.
Place coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd! Hot air needs to circulate for crispy crust.
If your air fryer is small, work in batches. Space them about an inch apart.
Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
At 4-5 minutes, carefully flip each fillet. Be gentle so you don’t knock off the coating! Fish is done when golden brown on both sides and flakes easily with a fork. Internal temp should reach 145°F.
Remove fillets and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Press the coating FIRMLY: Don’t be gentle when coating the fish. Really press that mixture onto the fillets so it sticks well and creates a thick crust.
- Preheat your air fryer: If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it! A preheated air fryer helps the coating start crisping immediately.
- Check for doneness: Fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Don’t overcook or it will dry out!
- Common mistake to avoid: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer! If the fillets are touching, the coating won’t get crispy. Give them space and cook in batches if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American