![- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges To make crispy Parmesan crusted tilapia, you need fresh tilapia fillets. They are mild and flaky, perfect for this dish. Next, grab some grated Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor. The panko bread crumbs add a delightful crunch. You will also need eggs and Dijon mustard for the coating. The mustard gives a slight zing. Garlic powder and paprika add warmth and taste. Salt and pepper season everything to perfection. For garnish, use fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness. Lemon wedges are great for squeezing over the fish. They brighten the dish and enhance the flavors. For the complete steps of making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the fish cook evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep the fish from sticking. 3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together: - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Mix until smooth. This egg mixture helps the coating stick to the fish. 1. In another bowl, combine the coating ingredients: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste This mixture will give your tilapia a crispy and flavorful crust. 2. Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. 3. Press each fillet into the Parmesan and panko mixture. Make sure both sides are well coated. This step is key for that crispy texture. 1. Arrange the coated tilapia fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch each other. 2. Bake the fish for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are golden brown and flake easily with a fork. 3. Once baked, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. 4. For a nice touch, garnish the fish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. To prevent sticking, use parchment paper on your baking sheet. This keeps the fish from sticking and makes cleanup easy. Lightly oil the paper for extra security. For even cooking, make sure your tilapia fillets are of similar size. This helps them cook at the same rate. If they vary too much, some may overcook while others stay underdone. You can add more flavor with extra seasonings. Try adding black pepper, onion powder, or Italian herbs to the coating. These will lift the taste and make it more exciting. For marinating options, soak the tilapia in lemon juice or a mix of olive oil and garlic for 30 minutes. This adds moisture and flavor before coating. For plating ideas, serve the tilapia on a colorful plate. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. The best serving sides include roasted vegetables, a light salad, or rice. The flavors of these sides complement the tilapia well. For the full recipe, check out the recipe details above. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the fish, here are some great choices. You can use cod, haddock, or even chicken breasts. Each of these proteins works well with the crispy coating. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. For those who need dairy-free options, try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It gives a nice cheesy flavor. If you need a gluten-free coating, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These options will still give you that satisfying crunch. You can easily add new flavors to this dish. Try mixing in spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs such as dill or thyme can also brighten the taste. If you're feeling adventurous, consider making a spicy version by adding hot sauce to the egg mixture. This gives the tilapia an extra layer of flavor that will impress anyone at the table. Explore these variations to make your crispy Parmesan crusted tilapia uniquely yours. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. After cooking, let the tilapia cool for a few minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy. For best results, place the tilapia on a cooling rack. It allows air to circulate around the fish. Avoid stacking the fillets; this can make them soggy. For storage, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they fit your fillets without crowding. Label the containers with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. To freeze tilapia, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store them for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, thaw the fillets in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, submerge the sealed bag in cold water. This method is safe and effective. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy while warming the fish. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Check to ensure the fillets are heated through. Avoid microwaving the tilapia. This can make the crust soft and less appealing. For full details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. How to tell when tilapia is done? You can tell tilapia is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and has a nice texture. Can I use fresh Parmesan instead of grated? Yes, you can use fresh Parmesan. Just grate it finely, so it mixes well with the panko. Fresh Parmesan adds a rich flavor that enhances the dish. What can I use instead of panko? You can use regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko. Also, crushed crackers or cornflakes work well. They provide a good crunch to the coating. Is tilapia a healthy fish option? Yes, tilapia is a healthy choice. It is low in calories and high in protein. It also has healthy fats and essential vitamins, making it a great option for meals. Why is the tilapia coating not sticking? If the coating is not sticking, try drying the tilapia fillets with paper towels before coating. This helps the egg mixture adhere better. Also, ensure you press the fillets firmly into the coating. Can I pan-fry instead of baking? Yes, you can pan-fry the tilapia. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. This method gives a nice crisp crust. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog post covers everything you need for crispy baked tilapia. We explored key ingredients like tilapia fillets, Parmesan cheese, and panko bread crumbs. I shared easy steps for preparation, coating, and baking the fish. You also learned tips for cooking and presentation, plus ways to customize the recipe. In conclusion, this dish is simple and versatile. You can make it your own and enjoy it any night. Happy cooking!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/51293bb8-a8d5-49a2-a751-eaac987340e2-250x250.webp)
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Delight your taste buds with this easy Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create perfectly baked tilapia fillets coated in a satisfying blend of Parmesan and panko crumbs. With simple ingredients and quick prep time, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.