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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 eggs, beaten - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling - Lemon wedges, for serving When making crispy Parmesan crusted tilapia, accurate measurements matter. Using panko breadcrumbs gives a better crunch than regular ones. If you do not have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the texture will change slightly. For the cheese, I recommend using fresh grated Parmesan. Pre-packaged versions may not melt as well. If you want a different flavor, try using Pecorino Romano instead. The spices in this recipe, like garlic powder and paprika, add taste and color. You can adjust these based on your preference. For a spicy kick, add more paprika or even some cayenne pepper. - Tilapia fillets: This mild fish cooks quickly and has a tender texture. It’s perfect for this recipe because it soaks up flavors well. - Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, giving the tilapia a crispy crust. They are larger than regular breadcrumbs, which adds extra crunch. - Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor. It forms a nice crust when baked, enhancing the dish's overall taste. - Garlic powder and paprika: Garlic powder gives a savory depth, while paprika adds warmth and color. Together, they create a balanced flavor. - Olive oil: This helps the crust get golden and crisp. You can use a spray for even coverage or drizzle it for a richer flavor. With these ingredients, you're set to create a delicious meal. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect crispy texture and rich flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a crispy finish. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The paper helps the fish cook evenly and makes cleanup easier. Set up three shallow dishes for the dredging. In the first dish, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. This helps the coating stick. In the second dish, beat 2 eggs until smooth. This will coat the fish and add moisture. In the third dish, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Now, take a tilapia fillet. First, coat it in the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs. Make sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the fillet into the breadcrumb mixture. Cover both sides well. Place the coated fillet on the lined baking sheet. Repeat this for all four fillets. Once all the fillets are on the baking sheet, lightly spray the tops with olive oil. You can also drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them. This boosts crispiness and flavor. Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They are done when the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove them from the oven. Serve hot with lemon wedges for a fresh touch. To make your tilapia super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko is lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. This helps create a crunchier crust. Before coating, toast the panko lightly in a pan. This adds flavor and enhances crunch. You can also mix in some crushed cornflakes for added texture. When you bake, make sure to spray oil on top. This helps the crust turn golden and crispy. For a tasty twist, add spices to your breadcrumb mix. Try chili powder for heat or lemon zest for brightness. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can make it fragrant. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for a kick. This extra seasoning will boost the flavor of your tilapia. Remember to adjust salt based on your tastes. It is always good to taste as you go. To keep your tilapia moist, don’t overbake it. Cook it just until it flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through. You can also cover the fish with foil for the first half of baking. This traps steam and keeps the fish moist. Serve with lemon wedges to add a fresh zing right before eating. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh tilapia fillets and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Preheat Your Oven: Make sure to preheat the oven thoroughly before baking to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the coated fillets to rest for a few minutes before baking. This helps the crust adhere better during cooking. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as thyme or cayenne pepper, for a personalized touch. {{image_2}} You can change the coating for a new taste. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, try seasoned breadcrumbs. They add extra flavor and crunch. You can also use nuts like almonds or pecans. Just crush them finely. This adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with tilapia. Citrus fruits brighten up this dish. Try adding lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix. It gives a fresh kick. You can also use lime or orange zest for a twist. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a lovely touch too. Just chop them finely and mix them in for extra flavor. To make a full meal, serve the tilapia with sides. Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers work well. You can also serve it on a bed of mixed greens. Add some rice or quinoa for a filling option. Finish with lemon wedges for a zesty bite. Each plate will look and taste amazing! To keep your crispy Parmesan crusted tilapia fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between the fish layers to prevent sogginess. Make sure the fish cools completely before sealing the container. Proper storage helps maintain its flavor and texture. Aim to eat leftovers within two days for the best taste. To reheat your tilapia, avoid the microwave. Instead, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This way, the crust stays crispy and delicious. Yes, you can freeze cooked tilapia! Make sure it’s completely cooled first. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The crust should be golden brown. I recommend checking it at 15 minutes of baking. If it needs more time, you can bake for 5 more minutes. The fish should look opaque and not shiny. This means it is cooked through and safe to eat. Yes, you can use other types of fish. Cod, haddock, or sole work well in this recipe. Each fish has its own flavor, so the taste will change a bit. Make sure to adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets. Thicker fillets may need a bit longer to cook. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia goes well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Roasted sweet potatoes or asparagus - Rice pilaf or quinoa for a hearty meal - A side of tartar sauce for dipping These sides will complement the fish and create a balanced meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! This blog post covered how to make crispy Parmesan crusted tilapia. We looked at the key ingredients and how each adds flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect baking. You learned tips for extra crispiness and tasty variations. We also discussed how to store leftovers correctly. In summary, this dish is easy and fun to make. You can enjoy it in many ways, ensuring a delightful meal every time. Happy cooking!

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

A delicious and crunchy tilapia dish coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets tilapia
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 2 dried oregano
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 4 black pepper
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 spray Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste wedge lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
  • Set up a dredging station: In one shallow dish, place the flour; in another, the beaten eggs; and the third dish should have the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Take a tilapia fillet and first coat it in the flour, shaking off excess.
  • Dip the floured fillet in the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  • Finally, press the fillet into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, making sure to cover both sides thoroughly.
  • Place the coated fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
  • Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with olive oil or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them to encourage crispiness.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  • Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish.

Notes

Serve the crispy tilapia on a bed of mixed greens or alongside roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for an added touch.
Keyword baked fish, Parmesan, seafood, tilapia