These air fryer parmesan crusted tilapia fillets are golden, crispy, and absolutely delicious. Coated in a seasoned Panko mix and cooked until crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, they're the easiest way to make fish night feel special. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you need something on the table in under 15 minutes.
If you're looking for easy weeknight dinners, try my Air Fried Bone-In Pork Chops or Air Fryer Blackened Salmon next!
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Whether you're searching for a quick fish dinner, a healthy(ish) air fryer recipe, or a new way to make crispy tilapia in the air fryer, this one checks all the boxes.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Fillets
I've tested this recipe with fresh and thawed fillets, and it works either way. The key is a thin layer of mayo to hold the crust in place and lock in moisture. A quick spray of oil ensures the coating gets crispy in the air fryer without drying out the fish.
This is one of those back-pocket meals you'll keep coming back to. It's a reliable go-to for weeknight air fryer meals, and it works with other white fish, too. No mess, no frying, and perfect if you want a simple way to make tilapia with breadcrumbs.
Recipe Ingredients
- Tilapia Fillets. Use 3 to 4 fillets, each about 5-6 oz. Fresh or thawed fillets both work great.
- Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Acts as the glue for the crust and keeps the fish moist while cooking.
- Panko Breadcrumbs. Gives the fish that irresistible golden crunch. Regular breadcrumbs won't get as crispy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese. Adds a nutty, salty flavor and helps create a crisp, cheesy crust when combined with the breadcrumbs.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder. Add flavor to the crust without overpowering the fish.
- Paprika. Smoked or regular paprika adds flavor to the coating.
How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia in the Air Fryer
Quick Overview
- Pat tilapia dry.
- Mix the crust topping.
- Spread mayo on each fillet.
- Coat with breadcrumbs.
- Spray with oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- PREHEAT: Set your air fryer to 400°F. No need to preheat for long - just a few minutes while you prep the fish is enough.
- PREP: Pat 3-4 tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better and crisp up nicely.
- MIX: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- COAT: Spread mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip) lightly on both sides of each fillet (about 2 tablespoon total). Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of the breadcrumb mixture on each side, gently pressing it into the fish with your fingers to help it stick.
- SPRAY: Place the coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top of each fillet with oil (I used avocado oil spray), then flip and spray the other side. This helps the crust crisp up evenly.
- AIR FRY: Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F. (DO NOT flip the fillets - they will fall apart.)
- SERVE: Once cooked, carefully transfer to a plate and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired, and your favorite sides.
No Air Fryer? No Problem!
You can still make this recipe in a regular oven. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Full oven directions are included in the Notes section of the recipe card below!
Quick Tip from Jeri
Don't skip the flip-and-spray step in the air fryer basket when you first put the fish in the basket. It gives you even browning on both sides without turning the fish.
What to Serve With Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Make it a full meal with these easy sides:
Air Fryer Cooking Times May Vary
Every air fryer model cooks differently depending on size, wattage, and basket style. I recommend checking your food a few minutes early when you try a new recipe. Use a meat thermometer whenever possible to make sure everything is cooked perfectly!
Top Tips for the Best Parmesan Tilapia
- Use similar-sized fillets so they cook evenly. If one is much thicker than the others, it may need extra time.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each fillet space so the air can circulate and crisp the coating.
- Spray both sides generously with oil. This makes a big difference in how crispy the Panko gets.
- Use a meat thermometer. Tilapia is done when it hits an internal temp of 145°F. Overcooking will dry it out.
- Serve immediately. Like most breaded foods, the crust is best when hot and fresh.
Variations
- Lemon Garlic: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Herb Crusted: Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Zesty Mayo: Mix 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the mayo before spreading.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or until warm and crispy.
Meal Prep Tip: Coat the fillets and store them (uncooked) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Air fry just before serving.
What if I don't have Panko?
Regular breadcrumbs will work, but the fish won't get quite as crispy.
Why isn't my coating crispy?
Ensure the fish is dry, don't skip the oil spray, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Parmesan Tilapia
Ingredients
- 3-4 tilapia fillets (5-6 oz each, fresh or thawed)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip)
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- PREHEAT: Set air fryer to 400°F. While it preheats, pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to help the crust adhere and crisp up properly.
- MIX: In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- COAT: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on both sides of each fillet with a pastry brush or the back of a spoon. Press about 2 teaspoons of the breadcrumb mixture onto each side of the fish, making sure the coating sticks evenly.
- SPRAY & ARRANGE: Place fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top side of each fillet with oil. (I used avocado oil spray.) Flip, then spray the other side. This helps the crust turn golden and crispy.
- AIR FRY: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Thicker fillets may need an extra minute. (DO NOT flip the fillets - they will fall apart.)
- SERVE: Transfer to a plate and serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired, and enjoy!
Video
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Notes
- Be sure fillets are completely dry before coating for the crispiest texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness: 145°F internal temp.
- For extra crispiness, don't skip the oil spray on both sides.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches so the fillets aren't overcrowded.
- Leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
- Works well with other white fish like cod or haddock.
- Pairs great with roasted vegetables, fries, or a side salad.
- No air fryer? Bake the tilapia fillets in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Every air fryer model cooks a little differently depending on size, wattage, and basket style. I recommend checking your food a few minutes early the first time you try a new recipe. Use a meat thermometer whenever possible to make sure everything is cooked perfectly!
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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