Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe with Lemon

This parmesan crusted tilapia recipe is quick, reliable, and perfect for busy weeknights. A simple coating of shredded Parmesan, cornmeal and spices creates a crunchy, golden crust while keeping the white fish tender and moist. With minimal prep and about 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a flavorful dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Easy Baked Tilapia Recipe

If you want a healthy, tasty meal that comes together quickly, this baked tilapia delivers. The Parmesan and cornmeal form a crunchy crust while the inside remains delicate and flaky. The recipe is forgiving, requires only a handful of pantry staples, and scales easily for more mouths.

Why this parmesan crusted tilapia works so well

• Tilapia is budget-friendly and widely available.
• Short preparation and bake time—ideal for weeknights.
• The Parmesan adds savory flavor and the cornmeal delivers a satisfying crunch.

What is tilapia?

Tilapia is a mild-flavored freshwater white fish that cooks quickly and adapts well to many seasonings. Its neutral taste makes it a great canvas for a Parmesan crust or other bold toppings.

Everything You Need

This recipe uses fewer than ten ingredients and requires basic kitchen tools: a bowl for the egg wash, a bowl for the crust mixture, and a baking sheet.

• Tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs.)
• Eggs (2 large)
• Shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup)
• Cornmeal (2 tablespoons)
• Granulated garlic (2 tablespoons)
• Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon) and lemon slices for serving

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Swap ingredients 1:1 when needed:

• Tilapia → any firm white fish such as cod or haddock
• Grated Parmesan → any hard grated cheese like Asiago or Pecorino
• Cornmeal → oat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option

Quick Tilapia Q & A

What should I serve with baked tilapia?

Baked tilapia pairs well with fresh salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, and simple carb sides. Popular options include creamy coleslaw, cilantro lime rice, a Mexican-style corn salad, or a crisp Asian-inspired salad. Choose sides that balance the rich, cheesy crust with bright citrus or crunchy textures.

How long do you bake tilapia?

Bake at 400ºF (204ºC) for 15–20 minutes, depending on fillet thickness. For a deeper golden crust, bake for about 10 minutes then broil for an additional 2–3 minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. The recipe scales easily—double or triple the ingredient amounts to serve a larger group. Likewise, halve the amounts if you only need a smaller portion.

How long does cooked tilapia keep?

Store cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying the fish—briefly in a low oven or covered in a skillet with a splash of water or oil works best.

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

This recipe yields about 4 servings and takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. The steps below keep the preparation simple so you can focus on seasoning and crisping the crust.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs tilapia fillets
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps the crust adhere and crisp.
3. Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl to create an egg wash.
4. In another shallow bowl, combine the shredded Parmesan, cornmeal, granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Dip each fillet into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then press the fillet into the cheese mixture to coat both sides. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and arrange lemon slices on or beside the fish for added brightness while baking.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is set.
8. If you prefer a more golden top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid over-browning.
9. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

Calories: 380 kcal, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 53 g, Fat: 14 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 1 g. Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline.

More Fish & Seafood Recipes

• Lemon Pepper Salmon
• Easy Grilled Shrimp
• Cajun Shrimp and Grits
• Baked Cod Fish Tacos
• Lemon Dill Salmon Burgers

If you make this recipe, try finishing the fish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the flavors. Enjoy a crunchy, satisfying fish dinner that’s simple enough for any night of the week.