Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
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Updated: 05/29/25
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This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring tender tilapia fillets coated in a crispy Parmesan and Panko breadcrumb crust—perfect for adding a flavorful fish dish to your weekly meal rotation.
Is fish part of your dinner rotation? I like tucking in a fish dish here and there, like cauliflower rice fish taco bowls, just to keep things interesting. This parmesan crusted baked tilapia is one of our family favorites!
I know fish isn’t always the most highly requested dinner, but when you bread tilapia and pop it in the oven, it comes out hot and crispy. It’s almost like fried fish but so much healthier, and I’ve never seen it turned down!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This crispy baked fish is similar in taste and texture to fried fish, but without all the oil and mess from frying!
- It’s super simple recipe to make – you only need four ingredients and 30 minutes before this tasty main dish is ready to eat.
- Tilapia is really easy to cook and doesn’t require much skill in the kitchen. So this recipe is great for beginners!
Very easy and very good!! Will make it again!!
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- Tilapia filets – If you purchase frozen tilapia fillets, allow them to thaw before using them in this crusted tilapia recipe.
- Panko bread crumbs – This is all you need to make the most crispy, crunchy outer crust for parmesan crusted tilapia. If you need this to be gluten free make sure to use gluten-free Panko Bread Crumbs.
- Parmesan cheese – You’ll want to use shredded instead of grated parmesan cheese. Of course, for best results, shred your own cheese.
- Butter – Melted salted or unsalted butter will work for this easy recipe.
How to cook tilapia
In a large mixing bowl mix together the panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
Place tilapia on a greased baking sheet and cover the top of each fillet with the Panko and cheese mixture.
Bake parmesan crusted tilapia for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown, in an oven preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Pro Tips!
- Give this yummy crusted tilapia extra flavor by seasoning the panko bread crumbs. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are my favorites!
- Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make clean-up even easier.
- If you are non-dairy, use olive oil in place of butter.
- Sprinkle each fillet with a bit of fresh lemon juice for a tasty zing with each bite of crispy fish. Lemon slices on the side look great, too.
- Garnish the fish with herbs like fresh parsley to make it look even fancier!
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Leftover cooked tilapia will keep in the refrigerator for up three to four days. Place it into an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Freezer: Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it into a freezer safe bag. Or, place leftover fish into an airtight container. Freeze cooked tilapia for up to three months.
To reheat, place into the oven until warmed through. Keep in mind that the panko breading may not crisp up as much when reheated. But it will still taste quite delicious!
I know you’re going to love this parmesan crusted tilapia recipe! It’s a quick 30-minute dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
Quick and Easy Baked Tilapia recipe in a delicious Panko and Parmesan coating!
Video
Ingredients
- 4 Tilapia fillets about 1 pound, thawed if you use frozen
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 3 Tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
- Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix butter, Panko and Parmesan cheese together in a bowl. Lay Tilapia fillets on cookie sheet. Top with Parmesan mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Tips
FRIDGE: Leftover cooked tilapia will keep in the refrigerator for up three to four days. Place it into an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
FREEZE: Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it into a freezer safe bag. Or, place leftover fish into an airtight container. Freeze cooked tilapia for up to three months.
To reheat, place into the oven until warmed through. Keep in mind that the panko breading may not crisp up as much when reheated. But it will still taste quite delicious!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 472kcal (24%), Carbohydrates: 22g (7%), Protein: 49g (98%), Fat: 21g (32%), Saturated Fat: 12g (75%), Cholesterol: 128mg (43%), Sodium: 855mg (37%), Potassium: 599mg (17%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 495IU (10%), Calcium: 424mg (42%), Iron: 2.6mg (14%)
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Bacon wrapped green beans and glazed carrots are two simple sides that I love to serve with fish. Smashed potatoes are also delicious if you want something quick and easy.
Garlic cheddar biscuits and easy oven roasted vegetables would pair well with this crispy fish too.
You could of course go with classics like corn on the cob, mac and cheese, or mashed potatoes as well. And then wrap up your meal with a delicious no bake blueberry cheesecake or a simple strawberry lemon cake.
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
- These Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are super easy to make, require very little clean up, and can be served as a side dish to quite literally anything!
- Roasted Parmesan Green Beans are one of my most favorite ways to prepare this tasty little veggie.
- Egg Roll in a Bowl is a healthy dinner that take just 25 minutes to make.
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas can be served as an easy dinner or an appetizer for a party.
Diane Gilinsky says
Excellent recipe. Made it for the first time and we loved it. Its definitely a keeper and in our regular meal plan. Thanks
Julie Evink says
I’m so happy to hear that!! Thank you!!
Aimee says
This was so delicious and simple to make. I used a garlic truffle seasoning in the crumb mixture and it was so tasty! I think could spice it so many different ways and it all will turn out wonderful. We ate two big helpings, couldn’t stop eating it. I served it with air fryer zucchini and orzo with parmesan/green peas.
Julie Evink says
Yum!! That sounds so delicious! Thanks for sharing!