Dinner

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Name: Crispy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk (or almond milk); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ½ teaspoon sea salt; Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

ByNaomi Fletcher January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

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Introduction

Imagine biting into a piece of fish that crackles with golden-brown Parmesan, yet stays tender and flaky inside. This Crispy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia delivers that satisfying crunch without the mess of deep-frying, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with bright, bold flavors.

The image shows three pieces of golden crispy fried chicken arranged in a row on a wooden board, each topped with finely chopped green herbs and melted shredded cheese. On top of each chicken piece, there are fresh lemon wedges, which add a bright yellow contrast to the golden brown crust. Behind the chicken, two small white bowls contain a smooth dipping sauce with a light orange color and a white creamy dip with a soft texture. There are some green herbs scattered around the edges of the wooden board, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk (or almond milk)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon sea salt
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle both sides with sea salt and let them sit for five minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and milk together in a shallow bowl.
Step 2: In a separate shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Dip each seasoned fillet into the egg-milk wash, letting excess drip off. Then press the fillet into the Parmesan-panko mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for three minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil and arrange the coated fillets in a single layer without overcrowding.
Step 5: Air-fry the fillets for 5 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the fish flakes easily and the crust is deep golden-brown.
Step 6: Transfer the fillets to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Tips & Variations

Patting the fish dry is crucial for a crisp crust; moisture causes sogginess.
Use a high-smoke-point oil spray like avocado oil for even browning without greasiness.
Flip the fillets only once to maintain the coating’s integrity and crispness.
Mix dried oregano or a pinch of cayenne into the breadcrumb blend for extra flavor.
Swap tilapia for cod, flounder, or shrimp, and try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and replace the egg wash with aquafaba mixed with olive oil for a vegan alternative.

Storage

Let the fish cool completely before storing. Place fillets in a single layer inside an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, preheat an air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and warm the fillets for 4–5 minutes until hot and crisp. Alternatively, use a 375°F oven with the fish on a wire rack for the same time.

How to Serve

The image shows three golden brown crispy fried chicken breasts arranged side by side on a wooden board. Each chicken breast has a crunchy textured crust, with melted cheese and small green herb bits sprinkled on top. On each piece, there is a bright yellow lemon wedge placed near the thickest part. Behind the chicken, a small white ramekin filled with orange dipping sauce sits in the middle, slightly blurred. The whole arrangement is placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and coat the tilapia fillets ahead, then refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying. This makes for a convenient option when ready to cook.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the coated fillets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. To keep the crust crisp, place them on a wire rack set on a baking sheet.

How do I prevent the crust from falling off?

Make sure to pat the fillets very dry and use the egg-milk wash generously as the adhesive layer. Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the fish and avoid flipping too often during cooking.