Introduction
Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that is both delicious and healthy? Look no further than this air fryer parmesan crusted tilapia! This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it is also a guilt-free alternative to traditional fried fish. In this article, we will share a simple recipe and some tips to help you achieve the perfect parmesan crusted tilapia using your air fryer.
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:
For the fish:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
For the coating:
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
For serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the perfect air fryer parmesan crusted tilapia:
Step 1: Prepare the fish
Start by patting the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the coating adhere to the fish better. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat the fish
First, lightly coat each tilapia fillet with flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip the fillets into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fillets with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This will ensure that the tilapia cooks evenly and develops a crispy crust.
Step 5: Air fry the tilapia
Place the coated tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and serve hot with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your air fryer parmesan crusted tilapia turns out perfect every time:
1. Use fresh tilapia fillets
Fresh fish yields the best results. Look for firm, odorless tilapia fillets at your local seafood market or grocery store.
2. Adjust cooking time
Depending on the thickness of your tilapia fillets, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
3. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
Make sure to leave enough space between the fillets in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy crust.
4. Customize the seasoning
Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or experiment with different herbs and spices.
5. Serve immediately
The parmesan crust is at its crispiest when served immediately. Avoid letting the cooked fish sit for too long before serving.
Conclusion
Air fryer parmesan crusted tilapia is a delicious and healthy dish that you can enjoy guilt-free. With its crispy coating and tender fish, it is sure to become a family favorite. Next time you’re craving a flavorful seafood meal, give this recipe a try in your air fryer. Bon appétit!