Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

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Looking for a healthy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor? Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a weeknight wonder that delivers a crispy, cheesy crust with tender, flaky fish inside. It’s a dish that tastes indulgent but fits perfectly into a balanced meal plan. You won’t need to deep-fry or pull out a skillet — everything happens neatly in the oven, giving you more time to enjoy the aroma and less time cleaning up afterward.

This tilapia recipe is one of those satisfying meals that comes together with pantry staples and minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or creamy mashed potatoes, the savory Parmesan crust elevates the mild fish to something special. Plus, the golden crust gives every bite that irresistible crunch.

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What Kind of Tilapia Should I Use?

Fresh or thawed frozen tilapia fillets work perfectly in this recipe. Look for fillets that are uniform in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If your fillets are thin, adjust your baking time to prevent drying them out. While tilapia is a budget-friendly and widely available fish, you could substitute it with cod or haddock if desired.

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Ingredients for the Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Tilapia Fillets
The star of the dish. Its mild flavor and delicate texture make it a perfect canvas for a bold crust.

Parmesan Cheese (grated)
This adds salty, umami richness to the coating and helps crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
For that extra crunch. Panko breadcrumbs stay crispier longer, giving you a delightful bite.

Garlic Powder
Lends depth and aroma to the crust. A simple way to elevate flavor without overpowering the fish.

Paprika
Adds subtle heat and a warm color to the crust.

Salt and Pepper
Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.

Eggs
Used to help the crust adhere to the fillets. Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumb mixture.

Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish)
A fresh finish that brightens the dish visually and adds a touch of herbal flavor.

Lemon Wedges (for serving)
A quick squeeze brings a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness of the crust.

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How To Make the Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. Set out two shallow bowls — one for beaten eggs, the other for the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.

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Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture

In one bowl, combine grated Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended.

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Step 3: Coat the Tilapia

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each fillet into the beaten egg, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. Gently shake off any excess.

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Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows the heat to circulate and crisp up the crust.

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Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust turns golden brown. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes — just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

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Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for that zesty finish.

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Serving and Storing Your Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

This crispy tilapia pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted asparagus, lemon rice, or a fresh arugula salad. For something heartier, serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw. Add a drizzle of tartar sauce or a dollop of herbed yogurt dip for an extra layer of flavor.

To store leftovers, allow the fish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven to maintain the crust’s crispness — microwaving may make it soggy. Freezing is possible, but best avoided if you want to preserve the texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the tilapia is done baking?

It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque all the way through. An internal temperature of 145°F confirms it’s fully cooked.

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading to prevent a soggy crust.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! Substitute Panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Parmesan is certified gluten-free.

Can I air-fry this recipe instead?

You can! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. It gives you a similarly crispy result with less oil.

What can I use instead of eggs?

Plain Greek yogurt or a mixture of milk and Dijon mustard work well as egg substitutes for binding.

What other herbs go well with this?

Dill, thyme, or basil can be added to the breadcrumb mix for a unique flavor twist.

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