This dish has all the speed of pan fried tilapia and baked tilapia, with a savory coating similar to parmesan crusted salmon. It’s one of my favorite meals to make in under 30 minutes! And if you’re looking for other sheet pan dinner ideas, try my sheet pan chicken thighs and vegetables next.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for easy parmesan crusted tilapia recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia:
Tilapia Fillets – Unlike many other fish recipes, you can bake this tilapia fresh or frozen, because the combination of mayo and crust prevents it from drying out. If you have frozen fish, simply rinse it under cold water to remove any ice, pat dry, and proceed like you would with fresh fish. I used whole fillets for this recipe, but loins (the thicker part of the fillet without the flat portion) are fine to use as well. Spices – Garlic salt, black pepper, and paprika give this crusted parmesan tilapia a delicious flavor, but you could use other spices as well. If you don’t have garlic salt, you can use a combination of plain garlic powder and sea salt instead. Herbs – You will also season the fish with dried oregano and basil. You can also use fresh herbs, but you’ll need to triple the amount of each. Grated Parmesan Cheese – This ingredient, along with the herbs and spices, forms the “breadcrumb mixture” for the fish. Don’t get shredded or shaved parmesan, as it will just melt and won’t create the same crust. I also don’t recommend fresh grated parmesan, as it will melt instead of forming a crust — use grated parmesan from a plastic can like this instead. Parmesan is a healthier option than bread crumbs, but if you want to, you can replace half of it with bread crumbs for an even crispier texture. Mayonnaise – I like to use my homemade avocado oil mayo, but you can use any mayo you prefer for this recipe. Lemon Juice – I use a fresh lemon, but this is totally optional.
Optional Veggies:
You don’t have to cook parmesan crusted tilapia with vegetables, but I often do for an easy sheet pan meal. Here’s what you’ll need if you want to add them:
Soft Veggies – Use vegetables that don’t take long to cook, like asparagus, green beans, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Harder vegetables are not recommended, because they won’t cook through by the time the fish is done. Olive Oil – Alternatively, avocado oil will work as well, or even melted butter since the cook time is pretty short. Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
This section shows how to make baked parmesan crusted tilapia with mayo, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
How Long To Bake Parmesan Tilapia?
At 400 degrees F, baked parmesan crusted tilapia takes 10-12 minutes to bake, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F with a thermometer.
Storage Instructions
Store: The safest method to store leftovers is to separate each fillet and place it in a shallow airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. The container should then be stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat: For best results, reheat tilapia in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, until warm. The microwave will also work, but is more likely to dry out the fish. Freeze: You can also freeze parmesan tilapia for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or in a zip lock bag submerged in water, prior to reheating. The fish may be a bit drier after thawing.
What To Serve With Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
An easy weeknight dinner needs equally easy sides! Try these ideas. Just add a couple more minutes to the cook time. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork, just the same as fresh fish.
Salads – When I want a simple side, I go for kale crunch salad, but other salad recipes like pear salad or creamy cucumber radish salad pair well with parmesan tilapia. Vegetables – To have everything done at the same time, try quick air fryer green beans, perfectly caramelized sauteed eggplant, or buttery sauteed broccoli. Starches – Oven roasted potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, and Instant Pot baked potatoes are popular options. I like to make less-starchy swaps like roasted rutabaga, easy cauliflower rice, or mashed cauliflower.
More Baked Fish Recipes
If you liked this baked tilapia recipe, you’ll love some of my other baked fish recipes for busy weeknights. Here are a few of my favorites: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include optional veggies, because it will depend on which ones you use. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my 30 Dinners In 30 Minutes and Healthy Ebook Bundle!
