Introduction

Parmesan-crusted tilapia is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The crispy, cheesy coating pairs beautifully with tender, flaky fish, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
Step 4: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all fillets.
Step 6: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 7: Carefully place the coated fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
Step 8: Gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden.
Step 9: Move the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 10: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the fillets to a serving platter.
Step 11: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley.
Step 12: Serve with lemon wedges on the side, alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice/quinoa.

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
Swap tilapia for other mild white fish like cod or haddock.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle spicy kick.
To keep the crust extra crispy, avoid covering the cooked fish before serving.

Storage

Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) to keep the crust crisp, or use a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the tilapia instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated fillets on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway for even browning.

What can I serve with Parmesan-crusted tilapia?

This dish pairs well with fresh salads, steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

This Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust bursting with flavor, perfect for seafood lovers seeking an easy yet elegant dinner option. Combining a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating with a hint of garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley, the tilapia is pan-fried to perfection before finishing in the oven for a tender, flaky interior.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Seafood
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Parmesan Coating

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Egg Wash

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Cooking

3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tilapia after searing.
Prepare Coating Mixture: In a large bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended crust mixture.
Make Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Season Tilapia: Pat each tilapia fillet dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Coat Fillets: Dip each seasoned fillet into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then press the fillet into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Repeat for all fillets ensuring an even crust on each.
Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
Sear Tilapia: Place coated fillets carefully into the hot skillet without overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
Flip and Sear Other Side: Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is equally crispy and golden.
Bake to Finish: Transfer the skillet with tilapia into the preheated oven. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remove from Oven: Carefully take the skillet out of the oven and transfer the tilapia fillets onto a serving platter.
Garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for added flavor and color.
Serve: Serve the Parmesan-crusted tilapia with lemon wedges and your choice of fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice/quinoa for a complete meal.

Notes

Using panko breadcrumbs helps achieve an extra crispy crust.
Ensure the skillet is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven.
Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain crispiness.
Tilapia is a delicate fish; handle gently when flipping to keep the crust intact.
Check for doneness by using a fork to flake the fish or a thermometer to ensure 145°F internal temperature.

Keywords: Parmesan crusted tilapia, crispy fish recipe, easy seafood dinner, pan fried fish, baked tilapia