Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia (Printable Format)

Golden breaded tilapia with seasoned panko crust, air-fried until perfectly crispy outside and tender inside.

# What You 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 Steps:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes before beginning preparation.
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.
04 - Dip each tilapia fillet into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly on all sides.
05 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange breaded fillets in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
06 - Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping fillets halfway through cooking, until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
07 - Transfer fillets to a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The breadcrumb mixture creates that fried fish texture without any messy deep frying
  • Everything comes together in under 25 minutes from start to finish
  • The seasonings are adjustable so you can make it as mild or spicy as your family prefers
02 -
  • Overcrowding the basket creates steam which makes the coating soggy instead of crispy
  • Spraying oil directly on the breaded fillets before air frying makes a noticeable difference in crunch
  • The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F
03 -
  • Use one hand for the wet mixture and one hand for the dry mixture to keep your fingers from getting completely coated in breading
  • Let the fish rest for 2 minutes after air frying so the crust sets up and becomes even crunchier

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