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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: The 20-Minute Weeknight Win

A close-up shot showing the flaky white interior and golden, crispy parmesan crusted tilapia coating.
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Get restaurant-quality crispy Parmesan crusted tilapia fast. This baked recipe delivers a golden, crunchy crust and tender, flaky fish in under 20 minutes. It is a simple, healthy seafood dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (5-ounce) tilapia fillets, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or melted butter for a different flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for a crispy crust.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise (or melted butter) and Dijon mustard until smooth. This is your binder.
  4. In a separate shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Brush the top side of each tilapia fillet lightly with the mayonnaise mixture. You want a thin, even coat.
  6. Press the coated side of each fillet firmly into the Parmesan-Panko mixture, making sure the crust adheres well.
  7. Place the crusted fillets on the prepared baking sheet, crust-side up. Drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque throughout and the crust is golden brown and crisp. Cooking time depends on fillet thickness.
  9. For extra crispness, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching constantly to prevent burning.
  10. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For an Air Fryer option: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Place the crusted fillets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily.
  • If you skip the mayonnaise/mustard binder, the crust will not stick as well, resulting in less crunch.
  • Tilapia is a mild fish; the Parmesan and seasoning carry the flavor. Do not skimp on the crust ingredients.
  • This recipe works well with other firm white fish like cod or haddock.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/parmesan-crusted-tilapia-easy-baked-fish/