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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges Using fresh, high-quality tilapia makes a big difference. Look for fillets that are firm and smell clean. For the cheese, choose finely grated Parmesan. It melts better and gives a great crust. The breadcrumbs should be Italian seasoned for extra flavor. If you can, use fresh herbs for garnishes. They add color and taste. Always check the expiration dates on your ingredients. Fresh ingredients lead to the best results. Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating takes about 5 minutes. This step warms up the air fryer and helps create a nice, crispy crust on your fish. In a shallow bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix them well until they are fully blended. This mix adds a savory crunch to the tilapia. First, pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This step removes extra moisture. Then, brush both sides of each fillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the crust stick better. Next, dredge the oiled fillets in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press down slightly to ensure good coverage. Make sure every part of the fish is coated. Place the coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping the fillets for even cooking. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes. The tilapia is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the crust is golden brown. Once cooked, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer. Place them on a serving platter. To add a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the tilapia with lemon wedges and a side of mixed greens for a colorful plate. To get that perfect crispy crust, follow these steps. First, make sure you pat your tilapia fillets dry. This helps the coating stick better. Next, brush both sides with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps the crust crisp up in the air fryer. When dredging, press down firmly on the fillets in the Parmesan mixture. This ensures a thick, even coating. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give each fillet space to cook evenly. You can change the flavor of your crust with easy tweaks. Try adding lemon zest for a bright touch. A dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up if you like heat. For a herby flavor, mix in dried oregano or thyme with the Parmesan. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. This keeps your dish fresh and exciting each time you make it. Cooking fish in an air fryer is quick and simple. Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes. Cook your tilapia for 8-10 minutes, checking the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) when done. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Finally, let the fish rest for a minute before serving. This helps the juices settle, making each bite juicy and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can swap tilapia for other fish. Cod, haddock, and sole work well too. They all have mild flavors and cook quickly. Each type brings its own taste and texture. Experimenting can make mealtime fun. If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed rice crackers or almond flour. Both add crunch. You can also try gluten-free breadcrumbs, which are easy to find. These options keep the dish tasty without gluten. You can boost flavor with herbs and spices. Try adding lemon zest for freshness. Fresh dill or thyme also works well. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper to the mix. These simple tweaks can make your dish unique and exciting. Store leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the fish from getting soggy. To reheat, use your air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the tilapia for about 5 minutes. Check if it's warm throughout. This method keeps the crust crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may lose its crunch. You can freeze cooked tilapia if you want to save it for later. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. Frozen tilapia will last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing helps the crust stick better. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Once thawed, follow the same steps for coating and air frying. I recommend serving this tilapia with mixed greens or a fresh salad. Lemon wedges add a nice touch of brightness. You can also pair it with rice or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. The flavors of the tilapia mix well with light sides. Tilapia is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. The fish should look opaque and easily flake with a fork. If it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside, that’s a good sign too. Yes, you can use an oven instead. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tilapia on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. The crust may not be as crispy, but it will still taste great. This blog post covered how to make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. We discussed key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best results. Using fresh ingredients and techniques will give you a tasty, crispy dish. Remember, you can try different fish and flavors to make it your own. Follow the storage tips to enjoy leftovers later. Cooking this dish will impress anyone at your table and give you a win in the kitchen. Enjoy your culinary adventure with air frying!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with this delicious Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe! This dish is packed with flavor and topped with a crispy Parmesan-breadcrumb crust that your family will love. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you can enjoy a healthy meal in no time. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

      Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

        Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil to help the crust adhere better.

          Dredge the oiled tilapia fillets into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure a good coating.

            Place the coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.

              Cook the tilapia in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

                Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter.

                  Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the tilapia fillets on a wooden board or a bright-colored plate, accompanied by lemon wedges and a side of mixed greens for a pop of color.