Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tilapia recipe is a healthy alternative to fried fish that doesn’t compromise on crunch. The air fryer creates a golden, crispy Parmesan coating with little to no oil, and the fish stays tender and juicy inside. It’s family-friendly, packed with protein, and pairs beautifully with simple sides like veggies, salad, or rice. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil spray or cooking spray
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley.
4. Press each fillet into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides evenly and pressing gently to help it stick.
5. Lightly spray both sides of the coated fillets with olive oil spray.
6. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
7. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the crust mixture.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.
• Herb Swap: Try Italian seasoning, dill, or thyme instead of parsley.
• Cheese Blend: Mix Parmesan with Asiago or Romano for a richer flavor.
• Baked Option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes on a lined sheet pan.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed and crispy.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
This dish is best fresh and not recommended for freezing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before coating and air frying to ensure the crust sticks.

What if I don’t have panko?

You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or omit them for a 100% Parmesan crust.

How do I know when tilapia is done?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, cod, flounder, or haddock also work well with this recipe.

Do I need to flip the fish in the air fryer?

Flipping helps both sides get crispy, but if your air fryer circulates air well, it’s optional.

How do I get the crust to stick better?

Make sure the fish is dry, press the coating firmly onto each side, and use a light spray of oil before air frying.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, if you omit or replace the breadcrumbs with a low-carb option like crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

What’s the best dipping sauce for this?

Tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or a lemon herb yogurt sauce pair wonderfully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative or skip the cheese entirely and add extra seasoning to the crumbs.

What sides go well with Parmesan tilapia?

Try roasted vegetables, garlic green beans, a fresh salad, or rice pilaf for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a fast, flavorful, and wholesome way to enjoy crispy fish without the mess of frying. With its crunchy topping and tender inside, it’s a weeknight winner that’s easy to prep and even easier to love. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying, low-effort seafood meal any night of the week.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a crispy, cheesy, and healthy fish dish that comes together in under 20 minutes using minimal oil. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 2–4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray or cooking spray
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley.
4. Press each fillet into the Parmesan mixture to coat both sides evenly, pressing gently so it sticks.
5. Lightly spray both sides of the coated fillets with olive oil spray.
6. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
7. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Ensure fish is completely dry before coating to help crust stick.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for best crispiness.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Tilapia cooks quickly — avoid overcooking to keep it moist.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg