Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Dinner - Crispy, Quick, and Satisfying
Tilapia gets a golden, savory upgrade with a crisp Parmesan crust that cooks in minutes and tastes like a restaurant favorite. This is a weeknight hero you can pull together with pantry staples and a hot oven. The fish turns flaky and tender, while the cheesy crust adds crunch and bold flavor.
Ingredients
- Tilapia fillets (4 fillets, about 5–6 ounces each), patted dry
- Grated Parmesan cheese (3/4 cup), preferably finely grated
- Plain breadcrumbs or panko (1/2 cup) for extra crunch
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (3 tablespoons) to help the crust stick
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons), plus more for the baking sheet
- Fresh lemon (1), zested and halved
- Garlic (2 cloves), minced or grated
- Parsley or chives (2 tablespoons), finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon) for color and mild warmth
- Optional sides: roasted asparagus, green beans, a simple salad, or buttered rice
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a sheet pan or line it with parchment for easy cleanup. Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, paprika, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Stir in the olive oil until the mixture looks like damp sand.
- Add a moisture layer: In a small dish, stir the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Spread a thin layer over the top of each fillet. This helps the crust adhere and keeps the fish juicy.
- Top the fish: Press a generous layer of the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture onto the coated side of each fillet. Pat it down so it sticks well. Transfer fillets to the prepared sheet pan crust-side up.
- Bake: Cook for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness. The crust should be golden and the fish should flake easily with a fork. If you want deeper browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely.
- Finish with lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon over the hot fish. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.