Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is one of my favorite quick dinners when I want something that tastes a little special but is still easy enough for a busy weeknight. The tilapia turns out flaky and tender on the inside, while the outside gets a golden, cheesy crust that adds the perfect bit of crunch.
As a mom and wife, I’m always looking for meals that are fast, family-friendly, and not too heavy. This recipe checks all the boxes. It cooks quickly in the air fryer, uses simple pantry ingredients, and pairs beautifully with just about any side. Plus, it’s a great way to get more seafood on the table without a lot of fuss.
The combination of Parmesan, herbs, and a light crispy coating makes this tilapia feel comforting and fresh at the same time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is simple but full of flavor.
You’ll love it because:
- The air fryer makes the crust crispy without deep frying
- Tilapia cooks quickly and stays tender
- Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor
- It’s light enough for everyday meals
- It pairs with veggies, rice, pasta, or salads
It’s one of those reliable recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
For the Tilapia
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Parmesan Crust
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Zest of ½ a lemon (optional but delicious)
For Serving (Optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Tartar sauce or garlic aioli
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
1. Prep the Fish
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and gives you a crispier crust.
Brush both sides lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Make the Parmesan Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, parsley, and lemon zest if using.
This mixture gives you that savory, crispy, cheesy topping that makes the dish so satisfying.
3. Coat the Tilapia
Press the top side of each fillet into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing so it sticks. You can also sprinkle extra on top and lightly pat it down.
There’s no need to coat the bottom — keeping the crust on top helps it stay crisp in the air fryer.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Tilapia
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the fillets in a single layer, crust side up. Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
Avoid flipping — this keeps the crust intact and crispy.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the tilapia rest for a minute or two after cooking. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Crispy Tilapia
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Pat the fish dry so the crust sticks better
- Check early — fish cooks quickly in the air fryer
The goal is flaky fish with a golden, slightly crisp topping.
For more seafood cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Guide.
Easy Flavor Variations
You can change up the flavor depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Try:
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Mixing a little grated lemon zest into the crust
- Swapping parsley for dill
- Adding a tablespoon of grated Pecorino for a sharper cheese flavor
This recipe is simple enough to customize anytime.
What to Serve With Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
This fish goes with just about everything.
Some family-friendly pairings:
- Garlic butter rice or lemon rice
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A fresh garden salad
- Air fryer potatoes or sweet potato fries
- Steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon
It’s light enough for lunch but filling enough for dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the fillets back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to help the crust crisp up again. Microwaving works, but the topping will be softer.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is the kind of meal that proves simple ingredients can still make something really delicious. The crispy, cheesy topping and flaky fish create a perfect balance of texture and flavor, all with minimal effort.
It’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for nights when you want something lighter that still feels comforting and satisfying. Add a squeeze of lemon on top, and dinner is done. 🐟🍋
