Are you ready to transform an ordinary fish dinner into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece? Get ready to discover the most mouthwatering, crispy Parmesan Tilapia that comes together in just 22 minutes, with minimal effort and maximum flavor! This air fryer recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will impress family and friends while keeping your kitchen clean and your cooking stress-free.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 tilapia fillets and place them on a clean cutting board or plate. Ensure they are thawed if previously frozen.
- In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- In another shallow bowl, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This will be used to help the coating adhere to the fish.
- Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the olive oil, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Allow any excess oil to drip off.
- Next, transfer the oiled tilapia fillet into the bowl with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Press the fillet into the mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on both sides. Repeat this process for all tilapia fillets.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Once preheated, arrange the coated tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each fillet to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the tilapia in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. You may want to check for doneness at the 10-minute mark.
- After cooking, carefully remove the tilapia fillets from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute before serving. This allows the coating to set slightly.
- Serve the Air Fryer Parmesan Tilapia hot, garnished with lemon wedges or fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Pat your tilapia fillets completely dry before coating to ensure the best possible crispy texture.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor and best coating adherence.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - give each fillet space to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Check the internal temperature of the fish - it should reach 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Let the fillets rest for a minute after cooking to help the crispy coating set and prevent breaking when serving.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, pairing with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
