Name: Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon melted butter; lemon wedges for serving

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If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight meal that delivers fuss-free elegance, look no further than Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia. This dish strikes a glorious balance between crispy, cheesy crust and flaky, mild fish underneath. Each bite promises a pop of flavor from the Parmesan, a satisfying crunch from golden panko, and just the right touch of savory spices. Best of all, it’s on your table in under 30 minutes, making it a true hero for busy nights or whenever you’re craving something scrumptiously homemade.

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is how simple the ingredient list is—every item you’ll use is easy to find, and each one plays a special role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

Tilapia fillets: Choose firm, fresh fillets for the best flakiness and a clean, mild taste that’s ideal for taking on bold flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings an irresistible salty richness and that nutty aroma only real Parmesan can give—skip the pre-shredded stuff if you can!
Panko breadcrumbs: For an ultra-crispy, crunchy crust that holds up to baking and broiling without getting soggy; you can use gluten-free panko if needed.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth while infusing the crust with loads of flavor.
Paprika: Provides a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color on the finished tilapia.
Salt: Essential for brightening up every bite and bringing all the elements together.
Black pepper: A pinch of freshly cracked pepper rounds out the flavor profile with a hint of heat.
Olive oil: Brushing the fillets ensures moisture and richness while helping the coating adhere.
Melted butter: Merges with the olive oil to add a touch of decadence and helps crisp up the crust.
Lemon wedges: The finishing touch! A fresh squeeze right before serving makes the Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia shine.

How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit—this ensures you’ll get that perfectly crisp exterior. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Setting up your pan now means everything will go smoothly once your fillets are ready to bake.

Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Crust Mixture

In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with a fork and really blend everything so every bit of the crust will have that magical balance of flavor and crunch. This mixture is the heart of your Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia, so don’t skimp on the good cheese!

Step 3: Brush the Fillets

Lay your tilapia fillets on a plate or board. Use a pastry brush to gently coat both sides with olive oil and melted butter—this is your secret for helping the crumb mixture cling, and it ensures the fish stays moist and tender inside as it bakes.

Step 4: Crust the Tilapia

Press each tilapia fillet into the Parm-panko mixture, coating both sides generously. Gently press down to help the mixture adhere, then carefully transfer the coated fillets to your baking sheet. If you have leftover crumbs, sprinkle them overtop for an even crunchier crust.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake the tilapia for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is a beautiful golden brown. For those who love an extra-crispy finish, flip the oven to broil for the last couple minutes—just keep a close eye so the crust doesn’t burn. Serve immediately with those fresh lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

Garnishes

Give your Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia a restaurant-worthy look with a shower of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill. Even a sprinkle of chives can add a vibrant pop of green. A squeeze of lemon at the table brightens up the cheesy crust and brings out the delicate flavor of the fish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides—think a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or simple roasted vegetables. For something heartier, lemony rice, herbed couscous, or a fluffy quinoa pilaf soak up all the extra flavor from the tilapia. If you’re serving a crowd, a platter lined with the fish and vegetables looks positively showstopping.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia atop a bed of spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist, or tuck pieces into toasted ciabatta for an elevated fish sandwich. If you want to impress at brunch, flake over mixed greens and drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette—the possibilities are deliciously endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let your Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.

Freezing

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia can be frozen once cooked. Arrange the cooled fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together and you can grab one fillet at a time when the craving strikes. Eat within a month for best quality.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, reheat the tilapia in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy—an oven or toaster oven will give the best results.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is fantastic with other mild, flaky white fish such as cod or haddock. Just adjust the baking time slightly if your fillets are thicker or thinner than tilapia.

Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe?

Yes, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting regular panko with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko. The crust still comes out crispy and delicious!

Can I cook this recipe in an air fryer?

Definitely. Prepare the fillets as instructed, then air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get a wonderfully crisp crust with even less oil.

How do I know when the tilapia is perfectly cooked?

Your Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is ready when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque—not translucent—in the thickest part of the filet. If you have a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I prep this ahead for easy entertaining?

You sure can! Coat the tilapia fillets with the crust mixture and refrigerate them on a parchment-lined tray for up to 4 hours before baking. Pop them in the oven right before you’re ready to serve for hot, crispy fish without any last-minute fuss.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia a try—it’s one of those feel-good meals that’s sure to win over anyone who loves quick, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant dinners. From the crispy golden crust to the light, flaky fish and that irresistible squeeze of lemon, every bite is pure comfort. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen!

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy crispy baked fish. The tilapia fillets are coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked to perfection. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright and refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Coating:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter
lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Tilapia: Brush each tilapia fillet with olive oil and butter, then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
Bake: Place the coated fillets on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and fish flakes easily.
Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges.