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My Parmesan crusted tilapia is quick, easy, and super affordable to make. It’s packed with flavor and crispy on the outside, with a flaky interior. Enjoy it as a high-protein and low-carb dinner.
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If you love air frying and grilling tilapia as much as I do, then this parmesan crusted tilapia recipe is for you. I coat the fish in a simple spice mix, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs, then bake them in the oven until it is crisp on the outside and flaky on the inside.
My family and I are big on easy seafood dinners, and this recipe is no exception! While I typically bake the fish, I’ve also tested it in the oven and air fryer, so you’ve a couple of cooking method options.
Parmesan crusted tilapia recipe highlights
- Quick and easy: The fish requires very little preparation, and it bakes in under twenty minutes.
- Best flavor and texture: The parmesan crust adds a savory, cheesy, satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the fork-tender, flaky fish.
- Healthy: Tilapia is naturally low in fat and carbs and packs in tons of protein. It’s also full of nutrients. I prefer to oven-bake the fish instead of frying it, to reduce the added fat.
- Customizable: Stick to my recipe or mix up the seasonings with any of the suggestions below.
Key Ingredients
- Tilapia filets. This recipe works with both fresh and frozen fish, so use whatever you have available! Remember to thaw the frozen fish in the refrigerator before you start cooking.
- Panko breadcrumbs. I love panko because it’s coarse, airy, and extra crunchy. Feel free to use breadcrumbs if that is all you have on hand.
- Parmesan cheese. I highly recommend taking the extra effort to grate the cheese yourself!
- Olive oil. To help the seasonings and the panko-parmesan coating stick to the fish.
- Spices. I seasoned the fish with paprika, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, and ground black pepper.
How to make parmesan crusted tilapia
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Season the tilapia filets with the spices on all sides.
Step 2- Stir the breadcrumbs and parmesan on a plate. Dredge the seasoned filets in the breadcrumb-cheese mixture.
Step 3- Place the filets on a prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil over each one.
Step 4- Bake the tilapia fillets until golden brown.
My top tips for perfect parmesan-crusted fish
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Tilapia is safe to eat once the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (per the FDA).
- Pat the fish filets dry with paper towels before coating them to help the seasonings and breadcrumbs stick. It also ensures the exterior is extra crispy.
- Bake on a wire rack. I like to bake the tilapia on a wire rack so the hot air circulates on both sides. This ensures a completely crispy base.
- To enhance browning and crispiness, I like to lightly spritz the crusted tilapia filets with olive oil before baking.
Storage and make-ahead tips
To store: Store the leftover crusted tilapia in an airtight container or wrap the filets tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To make ahead: I like to prep the fish the night before I plan to cook it to save time. Simply coat the tilapia as instructed, then keep them covered in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, simply add them to the hot oven.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Video
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets 4 ounces each
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 210C/420F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Combine the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese on a plate.
- Pat dry the tilapia fillets. Season both sides with smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, dried basil, and pepper.
- Dredge the seasoned tilapia in the parmesan and panko mixture and pat with your hands the crumbs onto the filet.
- Transfer the breaded tilapia onto the lined tray and drizzle half a tablespoon of olive oil over each one.
- Bake the tilapia for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the fish reaches 145F.
- Remove the fish from the oven and serve with fresh lemons.
Notes
- Air fryer method: Place the breaded fish inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F until the coating is crispy and the fish is cooked through (10 to 12 minutes).
- Pan-fried method: Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side in a skillet over medium heat.
- Storage: Store the leftover crusted tilapia in an airtight container or wrap the filets tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Low carb: For a low-carb version of this recipe, substitute the breadcrumbs with keto bread crumbs or blanched almond flour.
- Gluten-free: To make a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Seasoning ideas: Substitute the seasonings in this recipe for a lemon herb, Cajun, lemon pepper, Old Bay, or Italian seasoning blend.
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Tilapia should take about 20 minutes to cook through, but the total time depends on the thickness of your fillets. If you’re not sure if they’re done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. You’ll know it’s safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
If you can’t find tilapia, another mild white fish, such as cod, haddock, flounder, or sole, will work just as well.
Yes, you can. Once the fish has cooled, place it in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw them overnight before reheating.
This was easy to make and crispy on the outside.
Thanks, Ellen!
My family loved this. SO GOOD!
I love the flavors in this and how crispy the exterior gets. Yummy!
Thanks Stephanie!
I made the Parmesan crusted tilapia. I have never put Panko on tilapia before it was out of this world! Now said I have the basics the next time I will Maybe use some lemon pepper seasoning and a little heat by way of some Tony chachares
This was perfect! The family loved it 🙂
I adore this fish and this is such a delicious new way to cook it!
I just made this parmesan crusted tilapia for dinner and my family RAVED about it. The parmesan crust was salty and cheesy.