Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
This air fryer tilapia recipe gives you crispy garlic parmesan fillets with flaky, tender fish inside. It’s a quick and easy fish dinner for busy weeknights, made with simple ingredients and a golden, flavorful crust.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 tilapia fillets (about 1–1.25 lb / 450–570 g)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly grease the basket if needed.
2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Press each fillet into the crumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
6. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through if needed, until the coating is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes / Tips
Pat the fish dry well so the coating sticks better and crisps more evenly.
If your fillets are very thin, start checking at 7 minutes.
Cook in batches if needed so the fillets stay crisp instead of steaming.
A light spray of oil on top helps the crust brown more evenly.
Variations
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor.
Add a little lemon zest to the coating for a fresher citrus note.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Protein: 31 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Looking for even more air fryer ideas?
Browse my Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners on Amazon for more simple recipes, helpful tips, and everyday favorites.
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