Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia (Printable)

Golden tilapia with seasoned panko crust, air-fried to perfection in 22 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 tilapia fillets (5-6 oz each), patted dry

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
07 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Coating

08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tbsp milk

→ Optional Garnish

10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
11 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes before cooking.
02 - Whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tbsp milk in a shallow bowl until fully combined.
03 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a separate shallow bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
04 - Dip each tilapia fillet into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly on all sides.
05 - Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Arrange breaded fillets in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
06 - Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping fillets halfway through cooking. The crust should be golden brown and fish should flake easily when tested with a fork.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with tartar sauce, salad, or roasted vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crunch rivals deep fried fish but with a fraction of the oil and none of the cleanup
  • It comes together so quickly that weeknight seafood dinners feel completely effortless
  • The seasoned breading creates that irresistible fried fish comfort without the heavy feeling afterward
02 -
  • Crowding the basket leads to steaming instead of frying, so work in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side
  • A quick spritz of oil on the breaded fillets before cooking takes the crunch from good to incredible
  • The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels slightly firm, as it will continue cooking from residual heat
03 -
  • Letting breaded fillets sit for ten minutes before cooking helps the coating adhere better and creates a more uniform crust
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check at eight minutes and adjust accordingly, as some models brown faster than others

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