This Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia delivers golden crunch in just 12 minutes. After testing top air fryer fish recipes, this version proved unbeatable: perfectly crispy outside, flaky and moist inside, with minimal oil and cleanup.
Perfect Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
Tilapia is a lean, mild fish that pairs beautifully with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Cooking it in the air fryer not only speeds up the process but also locks in juiciness without deep frying. By combining panko breadcrumbs with a light flour-and-egg coating, you’ll achieve a crisp shell that rivals restaurant fish.
Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 4–6 oz each, thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Cooking spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with cayenne in a third.
- Dredge each fillet in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into panko on both sides.
- Lightly spray both sides with cooking spray.
- Arrange fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, spraying the tops again halfway through.
- Fish is done when the crust is golden and internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Serve hot with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.
Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Panko-Crusted Tilapia
Temperature & Timing Guide
- Standard fillets: 10–12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Thin fillets: 7–9 minutes.
- Thick fillets: up to 13 minutes.
- Always check for doneness – tilapia should flake easily with a fork.
Pro Tips for the Best Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia
- Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed.
- Spray lightly with oil for maximum golden crunch.
- Flip halfway only if your air fryer tends to brown unevenly.
- Pat fish dry before breading to help coating stick.
Serving & Storage for Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia
Best Pairings
- Classic tartar sauce (mayonnaise, pickle relish, lemon juice).
- Chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.
- Garlic aioli for a bistro-style touch.
- Fresh salsa or avocado crema for fish tacos.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Air fryer sweet potato fries.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
- Creamy coleslaw for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes until crisp.
- Freeze breaded fillets before cooking for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen at 400°F for 12–14 minutes.
Conclusion
This Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia guarantees a flaky, tender interior wrapped in a golden panko crust. With only 12 minutes of cooking time, it’s a weeknight staple that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal at home.
