Air Fryer Tilapia Milanese

Italian-inspired flavors meet the ease of air frying in this Tilapia Milanese recipe, where crispy panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese meet tender fish. With minimal prep and just 10-12 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner that’s sure to delight!

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

In another dish, beat the eggs.

In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip each tilapia fillet in the flour mixture, coating both sides, then in the eggs, making sure they’re fully coated, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the fish to ensure they stick.

Place the coated tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each fillet for even cooking.

Drizzle the olive oil over the fillets, then dot the top of each with softened butter. Cook the tilapia in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.

Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, make sure to pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel before coating to help the breadcrumbs stick. If you want to add a little kick, don’t skip the cayenne pepper – it adds a nice subtle heat to the dish.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cooking in batches if necessary will ensure the tilapia fillets cook evenly.

Keep an eye on the tilapia after 10 minutes, as cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. For extra crispy crust, make sure to press the panko breadcrumbs onto the fish firmly before cooking.

You can serve this dish with your favorite sides, such as roasted veggies or a simple green salad.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 440
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 35g