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Ultimate Crispy Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: A Quick Dinner Delight

Close-up of two golden-brown, crispy parmesan crusted tilapia fillets on a white plate.

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Make this ultimate crispy baked Parmesan crusted tilapia for a fast and flavorful seafood dinner. This easy recipe delivers a golden, crunchy crust and tender fish in under 30 minutes, perfect for any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (5-ounce) tilapia fillets, thawed if frozen
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry using paper towels. This step helps the crust stick better and promotes crispiness.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well.
  4. Brush the top side of each tilapia fillet lightly with olive oil.
  5. Press the oiled side of each fillet firmly into the Parmesan-Panko mixture to create an even, thick crust.
  6. Place the crusted fillets, crust-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque throughout and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot fish before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, you can briefly place the baking sheet under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • If you prefer an air fryer method, cook at 380°F (195°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Tilapia is a mild fish, so don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the flavor significantly.

Nutrition