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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Lemon wedges for serving What can you use instead of Parmesan cheese? You can try mozzarella or cheddar. These cheeses melt well and add flavor. What if you don’t have panko breadcrumbs? Regular breadcrumbs work fine, though panko gives a crunchier texture. You can swap seasonings too. Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a twist. If you want heat, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. To start, grab a shallow bowl. In it, mix together these dry ingredients: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko is best) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Stir until everything blends evenly. This mix gives the fish a tasty crust. Next, take your tilapia fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key. It removes extra moisture. Then, brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil. The oil helps the coating stick well to the fish. Now for the fun part! Dip each tilapia fillet into the Parmesan mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks. Make sure each fillet is covered evenly. This even coverage is what gives you that perfect crunch. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, place the coated tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket. Do this in a single layer. You might need to cook them in batches. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Check to see if the crust is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. When ready, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer. For a nice touch, serve them with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a fresh burst of flavor. You can also pair the tilapia with side dishes like steamed veggies or a crisp salad. Enjoy! To get that perfect crust, I always use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko gives a better crunch. It makes the crust light and crispy. The texture is key to a great bite. Oil plays a big role too. I brush the fillets with olive oil before adding the coating. This helps the crumbs stick well. It also ensures the crust turns golden brown in the air fryer. Don’t skip this step! Sometimes, the crust can fall off during cooking. If this happens, gently press the coating onto the fillets before cooking. Make sure it sticks well. You can also try cooking at a lower temperature for a longer time. This helps the crust set better. If your fillets are thicker, adjust the cooking time. Thicker pieces need more time to cook through. I usually add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time for thicker fillets. Always check for doneness by seeing if the fish flakes easily with a fork. {{image_2}} To make your tilapia even better, you can add fresh herbs. I love using parsley or dill. Just chop them finely and mix them into the coating. These herbs add a fresh taste that brightens up the fish. If you like some heat, try a spicy twist. Just sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, then add more if you want. This spice brings a nice kick to the dish. While tilapia is a great choice, you can use other flaky white fish. Cod or haddock works well too. These fish have a mild flavor, similar to tilapia. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. You can even adapt this dish for salmon. Salmon has a richer taste. Keep the cooking time the same, but check for doneness. Salmon cooks a bit differently, so watch it closely. Enjoy experimenting with different types of fish! To keep your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the fillets in an airtight container. They stay good for about three days. If you want to save them longer, freeze the cooked fillets. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat leftovers, reheating is key. For the best crunch, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fillets on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. If you use a microwave, the crust may get soft. Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about one minute. Check if it’s warm enough. If not, heat in short bursts. You can serve tilapia with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Roasted asparagus - Quinoa salad - Mixed green salad These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They pair well with the crunchy fish. To check if tilapia is done, look for these signs: - The fish should be opaque. - It flakes easily with a fork. - The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you see these signs, your tilapia is ready to eat! Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Just follow these tips: - Thaw the fillets in the fridge overnight. - If you’re short on time, use the microwave to thaw. - Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes if they are still a bit frozen. This way, you will still get that crispy coating. Enjoy your meal! You learned how to make air fryer parmesan crusted tilapia. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great results. You also discovered how to store leftovers and reheat them perfectly. Remember, using fresh fish and quality breadcrumbs enhances flavor. Experiment with herbs or spices to make it your own. This dish is quick, tasty, and healthy. Enjoy your cooking journey, and impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious meal.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe! This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to create perfectly crispy and flavorful tilapia fillets in just 22 minutes. With simple ingredients like Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, you'll have a healthy, restaurant-quality meal at home. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.

    Season the Fillets: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and lightly brush both sides with olive oil to help the coating stick.

      Coat the Fillets: Dip each fillet into the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well. Make sure the fillets are covered evenly.

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

          Air Fry: Place the coated tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

            Serve: Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 4