Parmesan Crusted Baked Tilapia
If you’re craving a simple yet flavorful seafood dish, Parmesan Crusted Baked Tilapia is the perfect solution. This recipe combines the mild, delicate flavor of tilapia with a crunchy, savory Parmesan crust, making it a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. This easy meal is ready in under 30 minutes and is a lighter and healthier alternative to fried fish, without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Eating more fish is a goal for my family and me, so this baked tilapia recipe makes it easy and delicious to enjoy. We’ve come to love Air Fryer Chili Lime Tilapia, which features a zesty spice mix and a crisp texture, and Lemon Pepper Tilapia Sheet Pan Dinner, a convenient one-pan meal. If eating healthier and expanding your tastes is a goal, you will love these recipes, too.
Parmesan Crusted Baked Tilapia
This baked tilapia recipe is a simple and tasty way to add healthy fish to your regular meals. The Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust gives it that crunch factor and loads of savory flavor, which goes perfectly with the mild taste of the fish. Plus, it’s easy to adjust with different seasonings to match your taste.
For anyone with a busy schedule looking for a quick, nutritious dinner, this dish is a winner. The filets cook quickly in the oven, forming a crisp, golden crust while staying tender and juicy inside. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a laid-back gathering, this Parmesan-crusted fish is a no-fuss, delicious option.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
If you’re short on time, this recipe can be made even quicker with a few simple adjustments. Whether you’re looking to prep in advance or switch up the flavors, these tips and variations will help you customize the dish to fit your needs.
- Thaw the fish overnight in the refrigerator.
- Mix the Parmesan and breadcrumbs the day before and store in an airtight container.
- Try using other quick-cooking fish like cod, haddock, or even chicken tenders (for those non-fish lovers).
- Experiment with different spices such as cayenne pepper or lemon zest to create unique flavor profiles.
- If you’re feeding a crowd, bake multiple fillets at once on a large baking sheet.
With these tips, you can streamline the process to fit your schedule without sacrificing flavor. These simple adjustments make it easy to enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal whenever you need it.
How should I store leftover baked tilapia?
Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 days. Beyond this timeframe, while it might still be safe to eat if properly stored, the quality may begin to decline.
What is the best way to reheat the tilapia?
For the best results, reheat the tilapia in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the Air Fryer or in a skillet on the top of the stove.
Are there any variations or substitutions I can make?
Yes, there are several variations you can try. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Romano or Asiago, for a different flavor profile. Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, or thyme. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko bread crumbs. You can also use other types of white fish fillets like cod or haddock in place of tilapia.
What to Serve with Baked Tilapia?
This fish pairs well with a variety of sides, creating a balanced meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something fresh, hearty, or light, there are plenty of options to complement the dish. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Green Beans with Shallots
- Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
- Crispy Dijon Roasted Potatoes
- Savory Herb Rice
These sides enhance the fish and provide variety in texture and taste. Mix and match according to what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for! Keep the cheesy flavor going and serve this Parmesan Crusted Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s that easy to get a complete meal ready fast.
What Tools are Needed to Make Baked Fish?
Making baked fish isn’t hard, but having the right tools on hand will make the process even easier. With just a few basic items, you’ll be ready to prep, coat, and bake your fish to perfection.
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- shallow bowl
- spoon
- metal spatula
- nonstick cooking spray
These tools make the preparation process flow easily, plus having a clean, organized workspace with the right equipment ensures that everything runs smoothly.
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
This oven fried fish recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, making it easy to whip up a tasty meal without a long shopping list. You’ll need basic pantry staples and a few fresh items to get the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- tilapia filets, thawed if frozen
- panko bread crumbs
- grated parmesan
- olive oil
- paprika
- dried parsley flakes
Directions to Make Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps to make sure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Spray the paper with some non-stick spray.
Next, in a small bowl, toss together the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, and parsley flakes. Give it a good stir with a fork until all those ingredients are combined.
Now, take your filets and place them on your prepared baking pan. Coat the tops of the filets with olive oil. This helps the breadcrumb mixture to stick. Once the filets are oiled, take your breadcrumb mixture and gently spoon it over the top of each one. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the surface of the fish, pressing lightly so it sticks.
Bake for about 20 minutes. To be absolutely sure the fish is cooked through, it should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown. If you like, once it’s out of the oven, a fresh lemon slice adds a nice touch of brightness.
Ready to bake up some serious deliciousness without any complicated steps? Save the recipe or print now and get ready for a delicious meal. It’s so easy and tasty, you’ll be making it again and again!
Parmesan Crusted Baked Tilapia
Equipment
- spoon
- metal spatula
- nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia filets, thawed if frozen
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and seasonings to a small bowl and stir well.
- Lay the filets out flat on the pan, then coat the tops with olive oil. Top with bread crumb mixture, and spread evenly across the filets.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 145 degrees, golden brown and the fish flakes with a fork. Garnish with a lemon slice, if desired.
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Enjoy!