For a tasty, trouble-free dinner, try this Baked Parmesan Tilapia recipe that cooks up moist, flaky, and full of fantastic flavor!
Have supper on the table in under 30 minutes with our Baked Parmesan Tilapia! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this weeknight dinner recipe is easy, affordable, and comes together fast with tilapia filets, parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and seasonings. You’ll love it!
Why Baked Tilapia is the Best
Tilapia is healthy, economical, and not at all “fishy”! I love using it in recipes because its mild flavor makes it very versatile – we don’t get tired of it. But mostly I love it because it bakes up so beautifully! No standing at a hot stove, no dirty frying pan, and no mess from splattered oil – slide it into the oven and it comes out about 20 minutes later with a cheesy, crunchy crust and moist, tender meat. Even picky eaters love this delicious fish recipe!
Other Recipes to Serve with Baked Tilapia
- Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts Salad makes the perfect accompaniment to baked fish!
- Lemon Butter Broccolini looks fancy, tastes fabulous, and cooks up easily for a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Fish: Tilapia filets, either fresh or frozen, are the foundation for this recipe!
Breading: Italian breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese give these fish filets tons of crunch and flavor!
Coating: You’ll need beaten eggs, mayo, and lemon juice to bind the breading to the fish.
Seasoning: A little paprika, garlic powder, and pepper season this fish perfectly!
How to Make Baked Parmesan Tilapia
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray the baking dish (or dishes) with cooking spray. In a shallow bowl, beat two eggs, then stir in the mayo and lemon juice. In a second shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and seasonings. Mix well.
STEP TWO: Dip one filet in the egg mixture, coating thoroughly. Then dredge it through the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly covered. Lay the filet into the casserole dish. Repeat until all the filets are done.
STEP THREE: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the inside is white and flaky. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and savor the moment!
Tips for Success
- Fresh fish should be kept in the fridge and cooked within 2 days of purchase.
- Frozen fish should be thawed overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Tilapia is done when the meat flakes easily with a fork (the internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Cod or haddock can easily substitute for the tilapia.
- Don’t skip the garnish! It may seem small, but a sprinkle of parsley (or whatever herb you like) really elevates this meal.
What is Tilapia?
Tilapia is a mild, delicately flavored, freshwater white fish similar to cod or haddock. What you find in the stores these days is farm-raised, mainly. Tilapia is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and is more economical than many other varieties of fish. Due to its mild taste, tilapia is an excellent fish for use in a wide range of recipes, from grilled with lemon dill to breaded and fried, as well as used in soups, stews, and stir-fries.
Is Fresh Fish Better Than Frozen?
If you live on a coast and have access to fresh-caught fish, then yes, fresh is your best bet for quality and taste. However, most of us live inland and our grocery store choice is usually frozen. Just know that frozen fish, like tilapia, cod, salmon, halibut, etc., are frozen very quickly after they’re caught. Most of the time, the fish you purchase from the freezer section is just as “fresh” as the fresh fish in the butcher counter.
Other Fast, Fabulous Fish Recipes!
- Halibut Fish Tacos
- Tilapia Po’ Boy
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Fish and Vegetable Foil Dinner
- Air Fryer Fish and Chips
- Hawaiian Grilled Salmon Filets
*This post originally posted on 09/11/2014.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Set up the dredge station. To a shallow dish, add the eggs and then beat them. Stir in the mayonnaise and lemon juice and mix well. To a second shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each tilapia fillet first into the egg mixture so it's coated. Then dip it into the breadcrumbs mixture, making sure each side is well-coated. Place the fillets into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 145 degrees F). This fish should be white and flaky on the inside. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
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