Name: Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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A simple yet elegant seafood dish, this Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia features tender, flaky fillets coated in a crisp, golden parmesan and breadcrumb crust. With bold seasoning and a quick bake in the oven, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or refined dinners with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is flavorful, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes. The cheese and breadcrumb coating creates a deliciously crispy texture while locking in the moisture of the delicate fish. The blend of spices adds depth without overpowering the lightness of tilapia. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides—from vegetables to pasta or salads.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Tilapia fillets
Grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Paprika
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Salt
Olive oil or melted butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a shallow dish, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry using paper towels. Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil or melted butter.
Press the fillets into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
Arrange the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breading mixture.
Herb Blend: Incorporate dried oregano or Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous crust.
Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Romano for a sharper flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for an even crispier crust.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat the fillets dry before breading to ensure the crust adheres properly.

What sides go well with Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia?

It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

To make it keto-friendly, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, cod, haddock, or sole also work well with this recipe.

How do I know when the tilapia is done?

The fish should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I pan-fry the tilapia instead?

Yes, pan-fry in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and breadcrumbs?

The combination provides both flavor and texture, but you can use all Parmesan for a low-carb version.

Can I prepare the fillets ahead of time?

You can coat the fish up to an hour ahead and refrigerate it before baking.

Should I cover the fish while baking?

No, bake uncovered to allow the crust to crisp up properly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute and olive oil instead of butter.

Conclusion

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is a fast, flavorful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home. Its crisp texture, bold seasonings, and tender interior make it a family-friendly favorite that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a casual entertaining menu, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal effort.

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

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Light, flaky tilapia fillets coated in a golden, savory parmesan crust—seasoned to perfection and baked until crisp—this quick and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels, then brush both sides lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
Press each fillet into the cheese mixture to coat evenly on both sides.
Place fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.