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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Lemon wedges for serving - Optional garnishes Let's dive into the ingredients for my Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. First, you will need four fresh tilapia fillets. They should be firm and bright in color. Next, grab a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with tilapia. You’ll also need a half cup of breadcrumbs, and I prefer panko for a nice crunch. The texture of panko makes your crust light and crispy. For seasoning, gather garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Each spice adds depth and flavor to the fish. Don't forget salt and pepper; they enhance all the other tastes. Finally, you need two tablespoons of olive oil. This oil helps the crust stick and adds a lovely richness. For serving, have fresh lemon wedges ready. They add bright acidity that complements the fish. Optional garnishes like parsley can brighten your dish and make it look even better. Enjoy gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients! Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a shallow bowl, add: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a delightful crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Stir these ingredients together well. This step ensures even flavor distribution, so every bite is tasty. Next, you need to season the tilapia fillets. Pat the fillets dry using paper towels. This removes excess moisture. Then, brush both sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The oil helps the coating stick better and adds flavor. Now for the fun part: coating the fillets! Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press down lightly. This helps the coating stick well. Cover each fillet evenly for the best texture and crunch. Before you start cooking, preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating is key for even cooking and a crispier crust. Once ready, place the coated tilapia fillets in the basket in a single layer. Leave some space between them for proper air circulation. If needed, cook in batches. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. The fish should flake easily with a fork. When the fillets are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve them right away with fresh lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing lemon over the fish adds brightness to the dish. For a great presentation, arrange the fillets on a platter, garnished with chopped parsley. Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal! To get the best crust on your tilapia, adjust your seasoning as needed. You can add more garlic powder or Italian seasoning if you love bold flavors. If you prefer a milder taste, use less. For the breadcrumbs, I recommend panko. Panko gives your crust a nice crunch. You can also use regular breadcrumbs, but panko is the best for texture. One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. This can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy crust. Always leave space between the fillets. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Another mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating helps the crust get crispy. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before cooking. You can make this dish even better by adding fresh herbs. Try parsley or dill for a bright touch. They add a fresh flavor that pairs well with fish. Additionally, experiment with spices. Add cayenne for heat or lemon zest for brightness. These small changes can elevate your meal and impress your family and friends. {{image_4}} You can swap tilapia for other white fish like cod or haddock. These fish have a mild flavor that works well with the Parmesan crust. When using different fish, adjust the cooking time slightly. Thicker fish may need a few extra minutes. Always check for flakiness to know when it's done. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can find these in most grocery stores. For better binding, consider using eggs or a mix of yogurt and lemon juice. This will help the coating stick to the fish. Add a twist to your dish by mixing in different cheeses. Try cheddar or mozzarella for a unique taste. You can also play with herbs and spices. Fresh dill or cilantro can brighten the flavor. A pinch of cayenne can add a nice kick, too! To keep your tilapia fresh, cool it quickly. Place the fillets on a plate and let them sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. After cooling, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Layer parchment paper between fillets to avoid sticking. This keeps the coating crunchy. To reheat the tilapia, the air fryer is best. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the fillets soft. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. You can freeze cooked tilapia. First, let it cool completely. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For thawing, place the fillets in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain texture. Never refreeze thawed tilapia to keep it safe and tasty. Cook tilapia in an air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This time ensures the fish cooks through and the crust turns golden brown. Always check that the fish flakes easily with a fork to confirm it is done. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Cook it straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily. You can pair this dish with several side options: - A light green salad - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - Rice or quinoa for a heartier meal These choices complement the tilapia's flavors well. To add heat, try these tips: - Mix cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb coating - Add crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning - Serve with a spicy dipping sauce These changes will give your dish a nice kick. Yes, air frying is often healthier. Here are some key points: - It uses less oil than deep frying. - It lowers calorie intake while maintaining flavor. - Air frying reduces the risk of harmful compounds often found in fried foods. This method is a great way to enjoy crispy food without the extra fat. This guide covered how to make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, step by step. You learned about key ingredients, from tilapia to seasonings. We explored practical cooking tips and variations for different diets. Remember, proper techniques make a big difference in flavor and texture. Don’t hesitate to try different fish or spices. Enjoy your cooking and share this tasty dish with others!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with this easy-to-follow recipe! Light, flaky tilapia gets a crispy, cheesy coating that’s sure to impress. In just 22 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal that's perfect for dinner. Elevate your cooking with simple ingredients and minimal prep! Click through for the full recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a delightful crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the dry mixture is well blended for an even flavor distribution.

    Season the Fillets: Pat the tilapia fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Gently brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil. This step will help the coating adhere better and enhance the flavor.

      Coat the Fillets: Carefully dip each tilapia fillet into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press down lightly to ensure the coating sticks well, covering each fillet evenly for the best texture and crunch.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier crust.

          Air Fry: Place the coated tilapia fillets in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Ensure there is space between the fillets for proper air circulation (you might need to cook in batches if your fryer is small). Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

            Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the flaky fish for added brightness.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the fillets on a serving platter garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal!