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Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is easy and fun. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights. You will enjoy its crispy outside and tender inside. The flavor is rich and satisfying, thanks to the Parmesan and spices. - 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs, beaten - ½ cup all-purpose flour - Cooking spray (for air frying) - Lemon wedges (for serving) When choosing tilapia, look for fresh fillets. They should smell clean and look moist. For breadcrumbs, panko works best. It gives a great crunch and texture. The Parmesan cheese must be finely grated. This helps it melt evenly and stick well to the fish. Use fresh spices for the best flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need four tilapia fillets. Then, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This mix will give your fish great flavor and crunch. Next, set up a dredging station. Place flour in one bowl and beaten eggs in another. This step makes it easy to coat the fish. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. While it heats up, take each fillet and coat it with flour. Make sure to tap off any extra flour. Then, dip the floured fillet in the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off. Finally, coat the fillet in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help it stick. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the fillets in the basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray. Air fry them for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. When they turn golden brown and crispy, they are done. The fish should flake easily with a fork. Once cooked, carefully take the fillets out of the air fryer. Serve them right away with lemon wedges. Squeezing lemon over the fish adds brightness. For a lovely presentation, place the fillets on a bed of mixed greens. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious, crispy tilapia! Using an air fryer is easy and fun. Here are some best practices to keep in mind: - Preheat your air fryer: This helps the tilapia cook evenly. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. - Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook the fillets in batches if needed. This allows hot air to circulate. - Use cooking spray: Lightly spray the basket and fillets to prevent sticking and promote crispiness. Getting that perfect crunch takes a few simple steps: - Choose panko breadcrumbs: They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. - Press the coating: After coating the fillets, press the breadcrumb mixture firmly to help it stick. - Flip halfway through: This ensures both sides of the fillet get crispy and brown. Experimenting with flavors can make this dish even better: - Add herbs: Try thyme or parsley for a fresh taste. - Spice it up: Use cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick. - Change the cheese: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap tilapia for other fish. Cod, haddock, or catfish work well. They have a similar texture. Each fish gives a unique taste. For instance, cod has a mild flavor. It pairs well with Parmesan. Adjust your cooking time based on the fish you choose. Thicker fillets may need a bit more time. You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. There are many tasty options in stores. Almond flour is another great choice. It gives a nice crunch, too. Just make sure to check labels on all products to be sure they are gluten-free. You can add more flavor to the dish. Try mixing in herbs like dill or parsley into the breadcrumb mix. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper for heat. For a tangy twist, add some lemon zest. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite! To store leftovers, let the tilapia cool first. Place the fillets in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to layer parchment paper between fillets to prevent sticking. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may change. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes. To freeze the tilapia, wrap each fillet in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. After that, you can reheat them in the air fryer for the best results. Cook tilapia in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway. This helps them cook evenly. Look for a golden brown color and flaky texture. Adjust time based on your air fryer model. Yes, fresh herbs can enhance the flavor. Try parsley, dill, or cilantro. Chop them finely and mix them into the breadcrumb mixture. This gives a fresh taste to your tilapia. Serve with a variety of sides. Roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad work well. Add lemon wedges for a zesty touch. You can also pair with a nice tartar sauce for dipping. In this post, we explored making tilapia in an air fryer. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and smart tips for the best results. You can adapt the recipe with different fish and flavors. Proper storage and reheating keep your leftovers tasty. If you follow these steps, you will enjoy a delicious meal. Don't hesitate to experiment and find your favorite way to prepare tilapia. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Savor the deliciousness of Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia that's easy to make and packed with flavor! Perfectly seasoned and golden brown, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

½ cup all-purpose flour

Cooking spray (for air frying)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

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

    In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

      Set up a dredging station: Place the flour in a separate bowl, followed by the beaten eggs in another bowl.

        Take each tilapia fillet and dust it lightly in flour, ensuring it's coated evenly. Tap off any excess flour.

          Dip the floured fillet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

            Finally, coat the fillet in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.

              Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated fillets in the basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).

                Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

                  Air fry the fillets for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.

                    Once cooked, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Consider serving the fillets on a bed of mixed greens with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a slice of lemon for a vibrant and appealing look.