If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner, this Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe is your go-to solution. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve guests. With a golden crust made from parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, each bite is crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside.
Tilapia is a mild, affordable, and fast-cooking white fish, making it perfect for all home cooks — from beginners to seasoned pros. Let’s explore how to make this irresistible oven-baked dish, what ingredients you’ll need, and expert tips to ensure a perfectly crispy crust every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
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Healthy Option: Low in calories and carbs, high in protein.
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Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love its cheesy crust.
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Budget-Friendly: Tilapia is an affordable seafood choice.
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Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make baked parmesan crusted tilapia:
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Tilapia fillets (4 pieces)
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Grated parmesan cheese (¾ cup)
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Breadcrumbs (½ cup) – Panko works great for extra crisp
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Garlic powder (1 tsp)
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Paprika (½ tsp)
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Salt and black pepper (to taste)
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Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
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Olive oil or melted butter (2 tbsp)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions: How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
In a bowl, combine parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Coat the Tilapia
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush them lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Then, press each fillet into the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides.
Step 4: Bake
Place the coated fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
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Don’t skip patting the fish dry: This helps the coating stick better.
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Use Panko breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy texture.
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Avoid overbaking: Tilapia cooks quickly; monitor it closely to prevent drying out.
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Customize the spices: Add cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for herbiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 30g
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 8g
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Fiber: 1g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
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With Veggies: Try steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
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With Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes complement it well.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve over a fresh garden salad.
Storing & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy.
15 FAQs About Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
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Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before coating. -
Can I air fry this recipe?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. -
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, cod, haddock, or flounder work well with this recipe. -
What type of parmesan is best?
Freshly grated parmesan offers the best flavor and melt. -
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Yes, use gluten-free Panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. -
Is tilapia a healthy choice?
Yes, it’s low in fat and high in protein, perfect for a balanced diet. -
What side dishes go best with it?
Roasted vegetables, salads, rice pilaf, or garlic butter pasta. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cheese alternatives, though results may vary. -
How do I know the fish is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 145°F. -
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can mix the crust and store it, but coat and bake just before serving. -
How do I get the crust super crispy?
Use Panko and broil the last 1–2 minutes for extra crunch. -
Can I freeze the cooked fish?
Yes, but the crust may lose some crispiness when reheated. -
What’s the best baking temperature?
400°F ensures a crispy crust and evenly cooked fish. -
Can I add lemon zest to the coating?
Yes! It adds a bright, fresh flavor to the crust. -
Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely. Kids love the mild flavor and cheesy crust!
Final Thoughts
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe is a total game-changer for easy seafood dinners. It’s flavorful, budget-friendly, and so satisfying. Whether you’re serving your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Panko preferred for extra crispiness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the crust mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pat dry the tilapia fillets using paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil or melted butter.
- Coat the fillets: Press each fillet into the parmesan mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated.
- Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for an extra crispy top.
- Garnish and serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
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