Crispy on the outside, moist inside, delicious Parmesan-crusted air fryer tilapia recipe that you can make using fresh or frozen fillets, with no thawing. At 2 grams net carbs per serving, this recipe is keto and low-carb, with a paleo option.
Craving more simple and flavorful air fryer recipes? Then make our air fryer frozen chicken nuggets, air fryer toast, and air fryer frozen chicken tenders next!
Don't forget to check out the video for this recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page!!
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air fryer tilapia recipe
This tasty air fryer tilapia recipe is an all-time favorite of ours and I have a feeling you will love it as much as we do!
The Parmesan-crusting, lemon pepper, as well as other ingredients give this dish a delightful taste plus, it can be served with so many side dishes! It is quick and easy to make (you have the choice to use fresh or frozen tilapia). Also, at 2g net carbs, this recipe is also low-carb and keto-friendly.
equipment
I used a Ninja foodi 8 Quart Pressure Cook, Air Fry, and Crisp for this recipe, but any type of air fryer will do.
ingredients
This is a summary showing you the best ingredients to make air fryer tilapia, as well as possible substitutions. You will find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- fresh or frozen tilapia.
- seasonings - yellow mustard, olive oil, lemon pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, chopped chives, or Italian seasoning, black pepper.
- dairy - Parmesan cheese.
- fruit and vegetables - lemon to serve (optional).
- some cooking oil - brush or spray this on the basket, to prevent the fish fillets from sticking on the surface.
Related recipes: For more fish recipes, try these pickled fish with cod, air fryer salmon bites with garlic cream sauce, and samaki wa kupaka recipes!
how to make air fryer tilapia
This segment summarises how to make air fryer tilapia, with step-by-step photos. You will find the detailed instructions provided in the recipe card below.
- Grease and preheat your air fryer. Prepare the seasonings: mix lemon pepper, smoked paprika, ground garlic, salt, Parmesan cheese, chopped chives (or Italian seasoning), and black pepper.
- Brush the tilapia on each side with olive oil and mustard then coat the fish on each side with the prepared seasoning.
- Air fry the tilapia fish until done, making sure to flip midway through cooking for a more even cooking(see useful tips segment below).
- Serve with sliced lemon wedges and your favorite side dish!
To air fry frozen tilapia, first thaw the fish in the air fryer, then proceed on with the rest of the recipe steps.
air fryer tilapia serving suggestions
Just like your regular oven-baked fish, you can serve your Parmesan-crusted air fryer tilapia with a variety of side dishes. My current favorites are these celeriac chips, Instant Pot mashed cauliflower, or Salad Shirazi recipes. Other ways to serve your tilapia include:-
- Vegetables - enjoy it with vegetables such as creamed spinach, collard greens, air fryer green beans, steamed broccoli, or green beans.
- Rice - serve it with regular rice, pressure cooker basmati rice, or some low-carb rice alternatives such as konjac rice.
- Masala chips or regular French fries (or chips, if you call them that in the part of the world you are in)!
- Baked potatoes, air fryer sweet potato cubes, mashed white or sweet potatoes with gravy, yum!
variations
When it comes to ingredient substitutions, this recipe is so versatile! Here are a few other ways to make it:-
- Paleo option: to make paleo air fryer tilapia, replace the Parmesan cheese with a cup of cassava or arrowroot flour.
- Seasoning: Lemon pepper and Italian seasoning work great for this recipe but you can also substitute them for your favorite seasoning. The following spices are all great to use in seasoning tilapia:
- Tarragon
- Parsley
- Cumin
- Onion powder
- Cinnamon
refrigeration and freezing
Just like most breaded or crumbed fish recipes, these tilapia fillets are best consumed immediately. You can keep and consume the cooked fish in the fridge within 3 days, but it will not taste as good once stored longer. Also, make sure to use suitable airtight containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
useful tips
- You can use other types of fish such as cod, sole, or salmon. Just keep in mind that you may have to adjust the cooking time, depending on the thickness of the fish.
- To avoid spoiling your air fryer, do not use aerosol sprays. Instead, fill a sprayer bottle with a healthy high smoke point cooking oil such as coconut oil and use this as a cooking spray.
- Because of the way the air fryer cooks food, you do not need to turn them halfway but I recommend carefully flipping as they cook more evenly when turned.
- Check for doneness by inserting an internal read thermometer inside the thickest part of the fish. It should read at least 145°F (63°C). In addition to the internal temperature, you can also check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish at an angle and gently twisting. It should be flaky and should have lost its translucent appearance.
frequently asked questions
As an alternative to Parmesan cheese, you can use regular dry breadcrumbs or panko. For those with gluten sensitivities, simply use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs, and as a paleo option, a cup of tapioca or arrowroot flour instead.
Yes, you can air fry fish from frozen and still have it crispy.
The cooking time for tilapia in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the fillets, whether or not they have some breading or crumbing, as well as your individual preference. However, as a general guideline, at a temperature of 392°F (200°C), you will require 7 to 12 minutes to air fry tilapia. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. I
To ensure that the tilapia is cooked thoroughly, make sure to use an internal read thermometer to ensure the fish has attained a minimal internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Keep in mind that different air fryer models may have slight variations in cooking time and temperature, so it's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific appliance. Additionally, you may need to preheat the air fryer before cooking the tilapia for best results.
more Air Fryer recipes
Hungry for more? Then try out our collection of simple and delicious air fryer recipes!
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Tilapia From Fresh or Frozen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets - (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- some cooking spray or oil (to brush the rack or basket)
- lemon (squeeze the lemon juice on the fish, when serving).
Instructions
- Brush or spray the air frying rack or basket with some cooking spray or oil (this makes cleaning up later much easier, as it basically results in less sticking) and preheat the air fryer at 392F/ 200C.2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon yellow mustard, some cooking spray or oil
- Next, mix lemon pepper, smoked paprika, ground garlic, salt, Parmesan cheese, chopped chives (or Italian seasoning), and black pepper then proceed to follow the following steps, depending on the state of your fillets.1 teaspoon lemon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, ½ teaspoon black pepper
AIR FRY USING FRESH TILAPIA
- Brush the tilapia fillets on each side with olive oil and mustard.4 tilapia fillets - (frozen or fresh)
- Lay each fish fillet on the plate with the seasoned parmesan cheese crumbing and press to coat. Flip then press again, shaking off any excess coating.
- Set the time at 7 minutes for small fillets and 10-12 minutes for larger and thicker ones. Depending on the size of your basket or rack, place two to three of the parmesan-crusted tilapia fillets in the basket, set it in place then close.
- Allow to air fry then use a spatula to flip the fillets midway through cooking (see notes below). Allow the fillets to cook further for the remaining time until done (see notes).
- Serve the air-fried tilapia with a squeeze of lemon, and some mashed cauliflower, low-carb rice or your preferred sides!lemon
HOW TO AIR FRY FROZEN TILAPIA
- Set the air fryer at 392F/ 200C and program it to cook for 5 minutes. Lay the frozen fillets on the basket or rack and air fry so they slightly thaw.
- Next, carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. Working quickly, brush the fillets on each side with olive oil and mustard.
- Coat the fish on each side with the prepared seasoning.
- Return the fillets back to the air fryer, cook for 5 minutes then use a spatula to flip. Air fry for a further 5 minutes, then check whether it is cooked (see the notes below on how to check for doneness). Depending on the type and thickness of fish you are using, you may need to cook the tilapia fillets for a further 2-4 minutes.
- Once cooked, transfer to plates and serve.
Video
Notes
- Because of the way the air fryer cooks food, you do not need to turn them halfway but I find they cook more evenly when turned.
-
Check for doneness by inserting an internal read thermometer inside the thickest part of the fish. It should read at least 145°F (63°C). In addition to the internal temperature, you can also check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fish at an angle and gently twisting. It should be flaky and should have lost its translucent appearance.
Jazz
Loved that I could make this without thawing because I always forget that step. Turned out amazing!
Kate Hahnel
I also find it amazing that I can make these without having to thaw.
Chenée
I love trying new things in my air fryer and I'm so glad I found this recipe! The tilapia came out so flavorful and juicy!
Kate Hahnel
Thank you, happy it turned out well and that you loved this recipe.
Tamara Johnson
I love how versatile tilapia is. This method of cooking was perfect too! Thanks for all of the great tips on cooking it in the air fryer.
Kate Hahnel
So glad I could be of help.
Kaluhi
Unbelievably delicious and the recipe is well explained and really easy !
Kate Hahnel
Glad you liked it!
Mila
The tilapia coating...INSANELY GOOD. I love how crunchy it gets in the air fryer.
Chef Mireille
this came out perfect with a nice crispy crust/ The most delicious texture and the best flavor. Oh this was so good!
Kate Hahnel
Thank you, happy that you loved it!
Lilly
I love the Olive Oil and Mustard spread on the fish before coating with the spices and cheese! It gave the tilapia such great flavor! Thanks for the recipe!
Kate Hahnel
Thank you very much! I love to use this method for most of my recipes that require crumbing or breading, makes them so flavorful!
Robin
Because I eat fish at least once a week I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. The mustard and Parmesan gave the fish a such a wonderful flavor I'll be using the recipe again soon.
Kate Hahnel
Glad to hear that you loved it! Thank you very much for trying this recipe out.
Dee Moore
This was so tilapia was soooo delicious and flavorful! The spice combination was perfect.
Kate Hahnel
I agree with you, the lemon pepper and parmesan cheese combination really brings out the flavors.
Chandice Probst
What a delicious dinner that’s not too heavy but also very comforting! Thank you for the easy to follow instructions… Definitely a win!
Barry J.
It's been a while since I've had tilapia and this recipe did not disappoint. The smoked paprika and lemon pepper came together to create a stand-out recipe. Thank you!
Kate Hahnel
Thank you! Tilapia is such a wonderful and budget-friendly fish, I am always looking for new ways to make it.
Marta
I had some frozen cod fillets so we gave this a try. The crust was perfectly crisp and the fish was flaky and full of flavor.
Kate Hahnel
Thank you! It is such a wonderful spice, I am glad you liked it.
Kate Hahnel
That is the best thing! You can use most types of fish fillets, if you do not have tilapia. Happy to hear that it turned out great.