Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

Intro

Some nights, you want something that feels a little fancy but doesn’t ask you to spend an hour cleaning dishes or standing over the stove. That’s exactly where this Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe comes in. It’s one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly very easy. The kind of dish you make once and then keep coming back to because it just works every time.

I’ve made this on busy weeknights, slow Sundays, and even for guests who “don’t usually like fish.” And guess what? Plates come back clean. That golden, cheesy crust with tender, flaky fish underneath is hard to resist. The Parmesan gets crisp, the breadcrumbs add texture, and the tilapia stays mild and juicy. No fishy smell, no complicated steps, just simple, honest cooking.

If you’re new to cooking fish, this is a great place to start. And if you already love seafood, this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.

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What Is Parmesan Crusted Tilapia?

Parmesan crusted tilapia is a baked (or pan-baked) fish dish where mild tilapia fillets are coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. As it cooks, the topping turns golden and crisp while the fish stays soft and flaky inside.

Tilapia itself has a very mild flavor, which makes it perfect for bold toppings like cheese and herbs. The Parmesan adds salty richness, while breadcrumbs give that satisfying crunch. It’s simple comfort food with a little elegance.

This dish is usually baked in the oven, which keeps it lighter than fried fish but still full of flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy, ready in about 20 minutes
  
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
  
• Mild enough for picky eaters
  
• Crispy on top, tender inside
  
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
  
• Pairs well with almost any side
  

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Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy here. Just basic kitchen tools.

• Baking sheet or shallow baking dish
  
• Parchment paper or foil
  
• Small mixing bowl
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Spoon or spatula
  
• Oven
  

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Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for this Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe:

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 4–5 oz each)
  
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
  
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• ½ teaspoon paprika
  
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  
• Lemon wedges, for serving
  

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the melted butter and olive oil. Stir until everything looks like damp sand.

Step 3: Prep the Fish

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the crust stick better and keeps the fish from getting watery.

Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan Topping

Spoon the Parmesan mixture evenly over each fillet. Gently press it down so it sticks well.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The crust should be golden and the fish should flake easily with a fork.

If you want extra browning, you can broil for the last 1–2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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What Does Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Taste Like?

The first bite gives you a crispy, cheesy crunch followed by soft, flaky fish. The Parmesan brings saltiness and richness, while the breadcrumbs add texture without being heavy. The tilapia stays mild and clean-tasting, making this dish feel balanced and comforting.

A squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating brightens everything and cuts through the richness beautifully.

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Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

• Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can. It melts and crisps better than the pre-shredded kind.
  
• Don’t overcook the fish. Tilapia cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long.
  
• Pat the fish dry before adding the topping. This makes a big difference.
  
• Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine.
  

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Easy Variations

Lemon Garlic Version

Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.

Spicy Kick

Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Herb Lover’s Style

Add fresh chopped basil, parsley, or dill to the crust mixture.

Air Fryer Option

Cook at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness.

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What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

This dish pairs well with simple sides:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
  
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
  
• Roasted asparagus
  
• Rice or quinoa
  
• Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
  

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Storing and Reheating

To store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible.

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Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe is one of those meals that makes you feel like you cooked something special without much effort. It’s simple, reliable, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this dish delivers every single time.

If you’ve been hesitant about cooking fish at home, let this be the recipe that changes your mind. It’s easy, comforting, and honestly a little addictive.

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly favorite.