Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

I absolutely love experimenting with Air Fryer Fish Recipes and this tilapia dish is no exception. I start with tender fillets enhanced with garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese, along with crisp panko breadcrumbs. The blend of tangy lemon and savory spices creates a delightful crunch that makes every bite intriguing and satisfying.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and finally came up with this easy Air Fryer Tilapia recipe that’s perfect for a quick dinner. I just couldn’t resist sharing it because it reminds me of some cool fish dinner recipes I’ve seen around – kinda like those air fried fish and breaded tilapia ideas that everyone raves about.

I start with tilapia fillets seasoned well with salt and black pepper, then I coat them with a mix of grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest and a bit of minced garlic. I drizzle some olive oil on top to help everything stick, and then let the air fryer work its magic for only 15 minutes.

To finish it off, I make a homemade lemon butter using unsalted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. Trust me, this meal is tangy, crunchy and just the right mix of moist, flaky goodness that will have you coming back for more.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how quick and easy it is to make – it’s ready in just 15 minutes so I can have a tasty dinner even on busy nights.
2. I love the crispy, crunchy crust from the Parmesan and panko mixed with the lemon zest – it gives the tilapia a really cool texture that makes each bite exciting.
3. The lemon butter drizzle adds this amazing tangy flavor that totally elevates the dish; it makes the fish taste even more fresh and buttery.
4. It’s super simple to prep, so even when I’m not feeling like spending hours in the kitchen, I can still whip up something that tastes awesome.

Ingredients

• Tilapia fillets are lean protein rich and low in carbs, making it a healthy choice for most diets.
• Parmesan cheese adds a salty tang and extra protein while also providing a burst of calcium.
• Panko breadcrumbs deliver a light crunch and carry digestible carbs, boosting texture to the dish.
• Lemon zest and juice bring a vibrant citrus punch that balances the salty seafood perfectly.
• Garlic gives a pungent savoury kick and its known to help support the immune system.
• Unsalted butter provides a smooth, rich drizzle that enhances the overall flavor of the meal.
• Olive oil supplies healthy fats that aid in crisping and adds a subtle fruity flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the lemon butter drizzle)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you get everything ready.

2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season them on both sides with salt and pepper.

3. In a shallow dish mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and the lemon zest.

4. Drizzle olive oil over each fillet gently so they get a little coat of fat.

5. Press the fish fillets into the Parmesan mixture ensuring every side gets a crunch coating.

6. Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly.

7. Air fry the tilapia for about 8 minutes, then flip them over carefully and cook for another 5 minutes until nicely golden and crispy.

8. While the fish cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

9. Once the butter is melted, add the lemon juice (and chopped parsley if using) and stir until well combined; let it simmer for a minute or two to blend the flavors.

10. Remove the tilapia from the air fryer, drizzle the lemon butter all over them, and serve right away. Enjoy your quick and tasty dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer – to cook the tilapia at 400°F
2. Paper towels – to pat the fillet dry
3. Shallow dish – for mixing Parmesan, panko, and lemon zest
4. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and butter
5. Grater – for getting fresh lemon zest
6. Knife – to mince garlic and (if using) chop parsley
7. Small saucepan – to melt the butter and mix in the lemon juice
8. Spatula or tongs – to carefully flip the fish in the air fryer

Enjoy making your meal!

FAQ

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano which gives a sharper flavor.
• If you dont have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers work just fine.
• You could swap lemon juice with a little lime juice if youre looking for a different citrus kick.
• For unsalted butter, using salted butter is okay; just be sure to adjust the added salt.

Pro Tips

1. Before you start, measure out your garlic, lemon zest, and everything else so you dont scramble around looking for what you need.
2. When you press the fish into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mix, be sure you cover every spot. This little extra pressure makes for an extra crunch in every bite.
3. Keep an eye on your air fryer timer – every machine cooks a bit differently so if your fish looks like its done a bit earlier or later, trust your eyes a bit.
4. For the butter drizzle, melt the butter low and slow and keep stirring it so it doesnt burn, that way you get a nice, smooth lemon sauce every time.