Print

Crispy Baked Parmesan Tilapia

crispy baked parmesan tilapia - featured image

A quick and easy healthy dinner featuring tilapia fillets baked with a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. This recipe delivers a flavorful, crunchy texture without frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed, skinless and boneless
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • ½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, plain or lightly seasoned
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground if possible
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Brush each tilapia fillet lightly with olive oil (about ½ tablespoon per fillet).
  5. Press each fillet firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
  6. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
  8. Optional: Broil the fillets for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for a minute or two. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the fish dry before coating to ensure a crispy crust. Use panko breadcrumbs for best crunch. Lightly brush olive oil to help the crust brown without frying. Optional broil step adds extra crispness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Variations include adding cayenne or smoked paprika for spice, fresh herbs for flavor, or swapping Parmesan and breadcrumbs for dairy-free or gluten-free versions. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat best in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tilapia, baked fish, Parmesan crust, healthy dinner, quick recipe, crispy fish, easy weeknight meal, seafood