This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is an easy oven-baked fish dinner with tender, flaky tilapia and a savory golden Parmesan topping. With simple seasonings, creamy mayonnaise, herbs, and fresh lemon, it comes together quickly enough for busy weeknights while still feeling special enough for a relaxed family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy tilapia dinner is full of flavor without requiring complicated ingredients or techniques. The Parmesan, oregano, basil, and paprika create a savory crust, while the thin layer of mayonnaise helps keep the fish moist and gives the topping something to cling to.
It is also a convenient family-friendly meal because the tilapia cooks quickly in the oven. Add soft vegetables to the same pan and you can turn it into a complete sheet pan dinner with very little cleanup.
Ingredients
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- 6 tilapia fillets, about 5 ounces each
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, optional
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges, optional
Optional Vegetables
- 2 cups soft vegetables, such as asparagus, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or green beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels, then arrange them in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Season both sides of the fish with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Spread about 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise evenly over the top of each fillet.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the mayonnaise-coated fish, gently pressing it onto the surface.
- If making a sheet pan meal, arrange the soft vegetables around the fish in a single layer. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Bake the Parmesan Crusted Tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the Parmesan topping is lightly golden.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges, if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Pat the fish dry before seasoning it. Removing excess moisture helps the Parmesan topping stay in place and encourages better browning.
Use freshly grated Parmesan when possible. It tends to melt and brown more evenly than very finely powdered shelf-stable cheese.
Keep the mayonnaise layer thin. You only need enough to help the Parmesan mixture adhere and keep the tilapia moist.
Choose soft vegetables if you want to cook everything on one sheet pan. Asparagus, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and green beans cook quickly enough to finish at approximately the same time as the fish.
Avoid overcooking tilapia. Since the fillets are thin, they can dry out quickly once they are done.
For a slightly crispier finish, place the pan under the broiler briefly at the end of cooking while watching it closely.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20–22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free
Notes
Cod, haddock, or another mild white fish can be used instead of tilapia, although cooking time may vary depending on thickness.
For a lighter variation, use a thin coating of plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Serve this oven baked tilapia with roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, rice, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad.
Fresh parsley can be sprinkled over the finished fish for extra color and freshness.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving, excluding optional vegetables:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 11 g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tilapia for Parmesan Crusted Tilapia?
Yes. Thaw the fillets completely before cooking, then pat them very dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning and Parmesan topping adhere properly.
How do I know when baked tilapia is done?
The fish should appear opaque and flake easily when gently tested with a fork. For food-safety accuracy, the thickest part of the fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this Parmesan tilapia without mayonnaise?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt is a good alternative and still helps the Parmesan and herbs stick to the fish. A light coating of olive oil can also work, although the crust may not adhere quite as firmly.
What vegetables cook well with this easy tilapia dinner?
Quick-cooking vegetables work best. Try asparagus, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, thin green beans, or sliced bell peppers.
Can I make this crispy tilapia recipe in an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange the prepared fillets in a single layer and air fry at about 390°F until the fish is cooked through and the topping is golden. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model.
What should I serve with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia?
It pairs especially well with roasted asparagus, steamed vegetables, rice, cauliflower rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple lemony salad.
Storage
Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For freezing, allow the cooked fish to cool completely before placing individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. The topping may soften slightly after thawing.
For the best texture, reheat the fish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. An air fryer can also help restore some crispness. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but it may soften the Parmesan crust.
Similar Recipes
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with a Golden Herb Topping
Ingredients
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- 6 tilapia fillets about 5 ounces each
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper optional
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 medium lemon cut into wedges, optional
Optional Vegetables
- 2 cups soft vegetables such as asparagus, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or green beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels, then arrange them in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Season both sides of the fish with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Spread about 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise evenly over the top of each fillet.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the mayonnaise-coated fish, gently pressing it onto the surface.
- If making a sheet pan meal, arrange the soft vegetables around the fish in a single layer. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Bake the Parmesan Crusted Tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the Parmesan topping is lightly golden.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
Conclusion
This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a simple way to turn mild white fish into a flavorful, satisfying dinner with minimal prep. The creamy base keeps the tilapia tender while Parmesan, herbs, and paprika create a savory golden topping.