Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Oven-Baked Tilapia in 20 Minutes Recipe
This Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe delivers a flavorful and crunchy coating on tender, flaky tilapia filets. Oven-baked to perfection in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy and quick meal option that’s sure to please seafood lovers. The Parmesan and spices create a savory crust without the need for frying, making it a lighter choice for a delicious dinner.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 1 pound Tilapia (4 filets, fresh or thawed if frozen)
Coating
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded, fresh if possible)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, to replace half the Parmesan)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Prep the Fish: If using frozen tilapia, thaw completely in the refrigerator. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Preheat your oven to 400°F convection or 425°F conventional. Prepare a baking tray by lightly oiling it or spraying with nonstick spray, and line with foil for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Coating: Grate the Parmesan cheese if it’s not already grated. In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the Parmesan, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful coating mix.
- Coat the Fillets: Brush both sides of each tilapia filet with olive oil or melted butter to help the coating adhere and add moisture. Dredge each filet in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure a crispy and even crust. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crust, press a bit more of the mixture on top.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the fillets for 10 to 12 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, ensuring it is fully cooked but still moist inside.
Notes
- Using fresh Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and texture of the crust.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used to replace half of the Parmesan for a lighter crust with extra crunch.
- Ensure the tilapia filets are patted dry to help the coating stick better.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the crust at its crispiest.
- Convection oven will cook faster and more evenly; if using conventional, increase temperature slightly as instructed.
Keywords: tilapia recipe, parmesan crusted fish, baked tilapia, easy seafood, quick dinner
