Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

I love sharing my take on Air Fryer Fish Recipes. My latest tilapia creation features fillets seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, all coated in crisp panko mixed with Parmesan and lemon zest. A drizzle of melted butter and lemon juice adds a tangy twist that makes it an irresistible 15-minute meal.

I stumbled upon this Air Fryer Tilapia recipe when I was searching for an easy talapia idea and I just had to try it. I love that it comes together in just 15 minutes and packs so much flavor in each bite.

I used 4 tilapia fillets and coated them with a simple mix of 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, zest from a lemon, and a bit of garlic powder. When I tossed everything together and drizzled on 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter mixed with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, I was excited to see how the lemon and parmesan breadcrumbs would create that ideal crunch and tang in an air fryer.

This is one of those air fried fish recipes that satisfies my cravings for a fish dinner without too much fuss. Enjoy every bite!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe coz it’s super quick and easy to make, and I can get dinner on the table without much stress. I also like that the crunchy panko and Parmesan mix adds a killer texture to the tilapia that really makes each bite exciting. The lemon zest and butter drizzle give it a tangy kick that makes me crave more every time I cook it. And, since it’s made in the air fryer, I feel like I’m eating a healthier version of fried fish even though it still tastes amazing.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• Salt, about 1 teaspoon or to taste
• Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F so it’s ready when you start.

2. Pat dry the tilapia fillets and season both sides with salt and pepper.

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

4. Take about 1 tablespoon of the melted butter and lightly brush each fillet so the breadcrumb mix will stick.

5. Press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture making sure both sides are evenly coated.

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

7. Cook for 7-8 minutes then carefully flip them over and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

8. While the fish is cooking, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the lemon juice in a small bowl to create your lemon butter drizzle.

9. Once the tilapia is done, remove it from the air fryer and drizzle the lemon butter over top.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick and tasty dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with basket (for cooking the fish evenly)
2. Paper towels (to pat the tilapia fillets dry)
3. Shallow dish (to mix panko crumbs, Parmesan, lemon zest, and garlic powder)
4. Small bowl (to combine melted butter and lemon juice for the drizzle)
5. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure out the breadcrumbs, cheeses, and spices)
6. Pastry brush (to lightly coat the fish with melted butter)
7. Tongs or spatula (to flip the fish safely in the air fryer)
8. Fork (to check if the tilapia flakes easily when done)
9. Mixing spoon (to stir together the breadcrumb mixture in the dish)
10. Grater (to grate Parmesan cheese and zest the lemon)

FAQ

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, its a bit finer but still gives a nice crunch.
• If you dont have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano works pretty well and adds a slightly stronger flavor.
• You can use sea salt instead of the regular salt to bring a more nuanced flavor to the fish.
• Fresh lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice if you’re looking for a different citrus twist.
• If unsalted butter isnt available, try melted coconut oil or even margarine as a dairy free option.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you preheat your air fryer by a few minutes early so that the fish cooks evenly; a hot start really helps get that crispy coating.
2. When coating the fish, don’t be shy about pressing the breadcrumb mix onto the fillets hard enough. This will help it stay on even if you flip it over during cooking.
3. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Instead, leave some space between each fillet so that the hot air can circulate and give you a crunchier result.
4. Let the fish rest for a minute after removing it from the air fryer; this gives the juices time to settle in, making every bite more flavorful even if it seems a bit softer initially.