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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon dried parsley - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 tablespoons olive oil When making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Start with tilapia fillets. They should be firm and bright. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. I prefer using grated cheese for a better coating. Breadcrumbs give you that satisfying crunch. Panko is my go-to choice because it is light and crispy. For seasoning, garlic powder gives a nice kick. Dried parsley adds a touch of color and flavor. Paprika brings warmth and a hint of sweetness. Salt and black pepper enhance all the tastes. Make sure to measure these well for balance. The eggs are crucial for the coating. They help the cheese and breadcrumbs stick. Beaten eggs create a smooth layer. Olive oil is essential for that golden, crispy finish. A light spray on the fillets helps them crisp up in the air fryer. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a delicious meal. - Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Preheat for about 5 minutes. This helps the fish cook evenly. - In a shallow dish, mix together: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best) - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon dried parsley - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Make sure to mix well. Even distribution is key for great flavor. - Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick. - Dip each fillet into 2 beaten eggs. Let any extra drip off. - Coat the fillet in the Parmesan breadcrumb mix. Press gently for even coverage. - Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket. They should be in a single layer. - Cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They are done when golden brown and flake easily. - Let the tilapia rest for 2 minutes before serving. - Serve on a bed of mixed greens or steamed veggies. - Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprig of parsley for a fresh touch. To get that perfect crunch, use olive oil spray. This helps the coating turn golden and crispy. Without it, the crust can end up soggy. I love using panko breadcrumbs for extra texture. They add a light and airy crunch that standard breadcrumbs can't match. When using frozen tilapia, thaw it properly. The best method is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, run it under cold water for about 30 minutes. After thawing, drying the fillets is key. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This way, the coating sticks well and gives you that crispiness you want. To add more flavor, mix spices into your breadcrumb mixture. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat or Italian herbs for a twist. Marinating the tilapia before coating can also boost flavor. A simple mix of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil works wonders. Let it sit for about 15 minutes for the best taste. {{image_2}} You can swap out Parmesan for other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a milder taste. Cheddar adds a sharp kick. Mixing cheeses can boost flavor. Combine Parmesan with mozzarella for a creamy crust. Experimenting keeps meals fresh and fun! If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko works best for a crispy texture, but crushed crackers or cornflakes are great too. They add crunch and flavor. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect coating! Adding veggies makes your meal balanced and colorful. Serve with steamed broccoli or a side salad. You can also roast vegetables in the air fryer alongside the fish. Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra taste. These additions make your dish more nutritious and vibrant! To keep your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia fresh, follow these tips: - Place leftover tilapia in an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. - Make sure to consume it within three days for best taste. To reheat your tilapia and keep it crispy: - Use your air fryer set to 350°F (175°C). - Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. - If using a microwave, place the fillet on a plate. - Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds. Yes, you can freeze cooked tilapia! Here’s how: - Let the fillets cool completely before freezing. - Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. - Use within three months for the best flavor. - To freeze before cooking, coat the fillets as instructed, then freeze them raw. - Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time. You can tell tilapia is cooked by checking a few signs: - The fish will turn from translucent to opaque. - It should flake easily with a fork. - The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). When these signs are present, your tilapia is ready to eat! Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Thawing it first gives better results. Here’s how to thaw: - Place the frozen fillets in the fridge overnight. - If you're short on time, seal the fillets in a bag and submerge in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels for the best coating. The coating has both good and bad points. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Parmesan cheese adds protein and flavor but is high in sodium. - Panko breadcrumbs provide crunch but can add carbs. For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour. You can reduce cheese too. Adjusting these can make your dish lighter! This blog post covered how to make crispy air fryer tilapia. You learned about key ingredients like tilapia, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. I shared tips for perfecting your coating and cooking methods. You gained insight into flavor variations and storage tips. Remember, trying new spices or cheese can make this dish your own. With these steps, serving a delicious meal gets easier. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the tasty results!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Indulge in a delicious and healthy dinner with this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe! With a crispy, golden crust made from Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, this dish is easy to prepare and cooks in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's not only tasty but also satisfying. Click through for the full recipe and presentation tips to impress your family! #AirFryerRecipes #HealthyEating #Tilapia #EasyDinnerIdeas
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Prepare the Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures that the coating adheres properly and creates a crispy crust.

        Coat the Fillets: Dip each tilapia fillet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat each fillet in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coverage.

          Spray for Crispiness: Lightly spray both sides of the coated fillets with olive oil spray. This will help them achieve a golden, crispy texture in the air fryer.

            Cook the Fillets: Place the coated tilapia fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

              Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the tilapia on a bed of mixed greens or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with lemon wedges and a parsley sprig for added color and freshness!