There’s something about the crunch of a golden crust meeting tender fish that makes a weeknight dinner feel a little more special. This Tilapia Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer recipe hits that mark with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The air fryer does most of the work, transforming simple tilapia fillets into a crispy delight that’s hard to resist.
I remember the first time I tried this recipe—it was one of those evenings when I was juggling a million things and almost gave up on making something decent for dinner. But the air fryer was already preheating, and I thought, why not? As the kitchen filled with the savory aroma of Parmesan and spices, I got distracted checking a text and almost forgot to flip the fillets. The result? A perfectly crunchy crust with flaky fish inside, and a dinner that felt like a small win in a hectic day.
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside thanks to the Parmesan and panko coating.
- Made in the air fryer, so less oil and less mess—though it does take a little patience flipping the fillets halfway through.
- Ready in just about 20 minutes, which means more time for whatever else the evening holds.
- Simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it easy to pull together without a last-minute grocery run.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just satisfying results.
If you’re worried about your air fryer being too small or the fish sticking, don’t sweat it. I usually just give the basket a quick spray beforehand and space the fillets out as best I can. Also, if you’re not into flipping, you can experiment with cooking times, but I think flipping helps get that even golden crust.
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Tilapia Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and delicious Tilapia Parmesan Crusted recipe made in the air fryer for a crispy, flavorful fish with minimal oil and effort.
Ingredients
4 tilapia fillets (about 4 ounces each), patted dry
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until fully combined.
Dip each tilapia fillet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Coat the fillets evenly with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crust.
Lightly brush or spray both sides of each crusted fillet with olive oil to help crisp the coating.
Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry the tilapia fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Using an air fryer makes clean-up a breeze and keeps the kitchen cooler on warm days. I often serve this tilapia with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies, which lets the crispy fish remain the star of the plate. Sometimes I swap out the paprika for a little cayenne if I’m feeling adventurous, but I haven’t tested that enough to know how it changes the crust’s texture completely. Also, if you’re pressed for time, you might try just coating one side of the fillets, though the crust won’t be as crisp all over.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets? It’s best to use thawed fillets for a crispy crust, but if you’re in a pinch, just make sure to pat them dry very well before breading.
Will this work in a regular oven? Yes, but the air fryer really crisps up the crust faster and with less oil.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently in the air fryer to keep that crunch.
If you’re ready to skip the usual dinner routine and enjoy something crunchy and satisfying, this Tilapia Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer recipe might just become your new go-to. Give it a try and see how quickly you can turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal.