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To make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, you'll need these key ingredients: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed herbs) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh lemon wedges for serving These ingredients come together to create a crunchy, tasty dish. The tilapia fillets are light and flaky, while the Parmesan and breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch. To elevate your dish, consider these seasonings and enhancements: - Add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. - Try a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat. - Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for bright flavor. - Mix in some lemon zest for a citrus kick. These extras can take your tilapia to the next level. You can also adjust the salt based on your taste. When choosing tilapia, look for fresh or frozen fillets. I recommend wild-caught tilapia if you can find it. It's often firmer and has a better taste. Farmed tilapia is also a good choice, but check for sustainability. Always select fillets that smell fresh and have a bright color. This choice can make your dish even more delicious. First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step helps the tilapia cook evenly and become crispy. Take a shallow bowl and add these ingredients: - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko gives a nice crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix them well. This blend will give your fish a tasty and crunchy crust. In a second bowl, beat together: - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons olive oil Now, take one tilapia fillet. Dip it into the egg mix, covering it fully. Then, move the fillet to the Parmesan mixture. Press it gently on both sides to coat well. Repeat this for all the fillets. Place the coated tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they sit in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches if your air fryer is small. Cook the fillets for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They are done when the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily. Carefully take the fillets out and serve them hot with fresh lemon wedges. Enjoy your meal! To get the best tilapia, always start with fresh fillets. Look for firm texture and a mild smell. Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F. This helps cook the fish evenly and keeps it moist. Flip the fillets halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides get that nice golden crust. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Coat the fillets well in the egg mixture. This helps the crust stick better. Press the fillets into the Parmesan mix firmly. This makes sure you get a thick layer of flavor. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Give each fillet space to crisp up nicely. Serve the tilapia with fresh lemon wedges. The citrus really brightens the dish. Pair it with steamed veggies or a light salad. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. For a fun twist, try adding a side of garlic butter rice or quinoa. This makes for a hearty and satisfying dinner. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia easily. Try adding different herbs. For a fresh twist, use dill, parsley, or cilantro. You can also replace the garlic powder with onion powder. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat if you like spice. Mixing in some lemon zest brightens the flavor, too. Each herb or spice can give your dish a unique touch. If you need a gluten-free meal, it's simple to adapt. Swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko. This keeps the crunch but removes gluten. You can also use ground almonds or crushed rice crackers as a base. They add a nice texture and flavor. Check that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free as well, just to be safe. Toppings can enhance your dish even more. Try adding a fresh salsa made with tomatoes and onions. A dollop of creamy avocado or guacamole pairs well, too. Fresh herbs like basil or chives can add color and freshness. For a tangy kick, a drizzle of balsamic glaze works wonders. These toppings make your meal not only tasty but also pretty. To keep your leftover tilapia fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To reheat your tilapia, use the air fryer for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fillets in the basket for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy and the fish moist. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the fish soggy. To freeze your tilapia, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Be sure to squeeze out all the air. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other fish. Cod, haddock, or snapper work well. Just keep the cooking time similar. Make sure the fish is fresh and not too thick. This helps it cook evenly. Each fish has a unique flavor, so choose one you like. You can bake it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. Look for a golden crust and flaky fish to know it's done. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. Rice or quinoa adds a nice touch too. For a zesty kick, add lemon wedges on the side. It takes about 10-12 minutes to cook tilapia in an air fryer. Flip the fillets halfway through for even cooking. Check for a golden crust and flakiness to ensure it's done. This quick cook time makes it a great weeknight meal. We explored how to make perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. I shared key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips for a crispy crust. You learned about flavor variations and storage methods to keep it fresh. Remember, achieving a delicious meal is easy with the right approach. Now, you can enjoy this tasty dish at home anytime. Grab your air fryer and get cooking!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with this easy recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create a golden, crispy dish that’s packed with flavor. With simple ingredients like Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Click through to explore this amazing recipe and impress your family and friends with a meal they'll love!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed herbs)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

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

    In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to create the crust mixture.

      In another bowl, beat the eggs with the olive oil until well combined.

        Take one tilapia fillet, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.

          Next, transfer the egg-coated fillet to the Parmesan crust mixture, pressing gently on both sides to ensure a good coating. Repeat with the remaining tilapia fillets.

            Once all fillets are coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

              Air fry the tilapia for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

                Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve each tilapia fillet on a colorful plate, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a wedge of lemon for a pop of color. Consider pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.