7 Crunchy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipes

Looking to transform your everyday tilapia into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece? You’ll find that Parmesan’s rich, salty flavor creates the perfect crispy crust for this versatile fish. Whether you’re craving classic herbs, Mediterranean zest, or bold Southwest spices, these seven variations will elevate your weeknight dinner game. From simple pantry ingredients, you can craft a golden-brown, crunchy coating that’ll keep the fish tender while delivering incredible flavor in every bite. Let’s explore these mouthwatering options.

Classic Parmesan and Herb Crusted Tilapia

Parmesan and herb-crusted tilapia transforms mild fish fillets into a flavorful, crispy dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

This classic recipe combines Italian herbs, fresh Parmesan cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs to create a delectable crust that seals in the fish’s natural moisture.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Step 3: Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.

Step 4: Brush each fillet with melted butter on both sides.

Step 5: Coat each fillet in the Parmesan-herb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 6: Place coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Drizzle olive oil over the fillets.

Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 9: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Iron: 2mg

Mediterranean Style Parmesan Tilapia

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.

Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, and paprika.

Step 3: In another bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

Step 4: Brush both sides of each fillet with the olive oil mixture, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Coat each fillet in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 6: Place fillets on a lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Iron: 2mg

Spicy Southwest Parmesan Tilapia

Spicy Southwest Parmesan Tilapia delivers a perfect blend of Mexican-inspired flavors and Italian cheese. This quick and easy dish combines the mild, flaky texture of tilapia with a zesty Parmesan crust, creating a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Step 1: Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.

Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Coat each tilapia fillet in the Parmesan-spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Cook tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Iron: 2mg

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the mild, flaky texture of tilapia with a crispy, flavorful crust.

This recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.

Step 4: Brush each fillet with olive oil and lemon juice on both sides.

Step 5: Dredge each fillet in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 6: Place coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 8: Set oven to broil for final 2 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Italian Seasoned Parmesan Tilapia

Italian Seasoned Parmesan Tilapia is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the mild flavor of tilapia with Italian herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe creates a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the fish tender and moist inside.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step 1: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.

Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Step 3: Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil.

Step 4: Coat each fillet in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 5: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 6: Cook fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fish flakes easily.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Calcium: 180mg

Panko Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Panko Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a delightfully crispy and flavorful dish that transforms mild tilapia fillets into a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of crunchy panko breadcrumbs and savory Parmesan cheese creates a golden-brown crust that seals in the fish’s natural moisture.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon wedges for serving

Step 1: Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and paprika.

Step 3: Place beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish.

Step 4: Dip each fillet in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the panko mixture.

Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Cook fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fish flakes easily.

Step 7: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Iron: 2mg

Crispy Cajun Parmesan Tilapia

Crispy Cajun Parmesan Tilapia combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with nutty Parmesan cheese, creating a crunchy and flavorful crust around tender fish fillets.

This quick and easy recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare and makes for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Step 1: Mix Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.

Step 2: Set up a breading station with three dishes: flour, beaten eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Dredge each fillet in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Cook fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fish flakes easily.

Step 7: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Iron: 2mg

Final Thoughts

You’ll love how these Parmesan crusted tilapia recipes transform an everyday fish into a gourmet experience. With Americans consuming over 1 billion pounds of tilapia annually, it’s clear why these versatile recipes are becoming kitchen staples. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean flavors or Southwest spice, there’s a crispy, cheese-crusted version that’ll make your weeknight dinner extraordinary. Try them all to discover your family’s favorite.