Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Oven-Baked Tilapia in 20 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
This Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is a quick and easy oven-baked dish that delivers a flavorful, crunchy coating in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines the richness of Parmesan with fragrant spices for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound tilapia (4 fillets, fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded (fresh if possible)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, to replace half the Parmesan)
Instructions
- Step 1: If using frozen tilapia, thaw completely in the refrigerator. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 400°F convection or 425°F conventional. Prepare a baking tray by lightly greasing it or spraying with nonstick spray. Line with foil for easier cleanup.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. If using, mix Panko breadcrumbs to replace half the Parmesan for extra crunch.
- Step 3: Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil or melted butter. Dredge each fillet in the Parmesan spice mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Place the coated fish on the prepared baking sheet. Press a little extra mixture on top if you want a thicker crust.
- Step 4: Bake the fish for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter crust, skip the Panko breadcrumbs and use all Parmesan cheese.
- Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or lemon zest to the coating for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
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) to maintain crispiness, or use a microwave if short on time, though the crust may soften.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, this coating works well with other white fish like cod, haddock, or catfish. Adjust baking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Is it necessary to use fresh Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture, but pre-grated Parmesan can be used in a pinch. Avoid the powdery, shelf-stable kind for best results.
PrintCrispy Parmesan-Crusted Oven-Baked Tilapia in 20 Minutes Recipe
Enjoy a quick and easy Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe that’s oven-baked in just 20 minutes. This flavorful dish features a crunchy Parmesan and paprika crust over tender tilapia fillets, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or elegant meal. The combination of cheese, spices, and a hint of olive oil creates a deliciously golden and crispy finish without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 pound Tilapia (4 fillets, 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 black pepper
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, can 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 remove excess moisture. Preheat your oven to 400°F using the convection setting or 425°F if using a conventional oven. Prepare a baking tray by lightly coating it with oil or using nonstick spray, and line it with foil for easier cleanup.
- Mix the Coating: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated. In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese with paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. If desired, mix in Panko breadcrumbs to replace half the Parmesan for extra crunch.
- Coat the Fillets: Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil or melted butter to help the coating adhere and promote browning. Dredge each fillet in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, thick crust. Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking tray. For extra crispiness, press a bit more of the Parmesan coating on top of each fillet.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The tilapia is done when the crust is golden and crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F confirms the fish is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Notes
- You can substitute half the Parmesan cheese with Panko breadcrumbs to add more crunch to the crust.
- For convenience, use pre-grated Parmesan cheese but fresh grated yields the best flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have convection oven, increase the temperature to 425°F for conventional oven baking.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: Crispy Tilapia, Parmesan Crusted Fish, Oven Baked Fish, Healthy Fish Recipe, Easy Dinner, Quick Fish Recipe, Low Fat Seafood
