Parmesan crusted tilapia is a tasty dish with a parmesan, garlic and herb crust that’s simple to make in the air fryer or baked in the oven. A slight crispy, light topping that’s ready in under 30 minutes just in time for dinner! A healthy, low carb and keto friendly dish as well.
I’ve been doing a few parmesan crusted recipes that I’ll list below but this one I wanted to go a but different. I used ranch flavor seasonings in this version and I am happy I did. Even my picky son ate the extras so I knew this one was a winner. There was nothing tricky about it so expect a super easy to make recipe that turns out great!
Can I Use Frozen Or Fresh Fish
Frozen or fresh fish work perfectly in this recipe. If using frozen fish just be sure to thaw first. Due to the quickness of this recipe if placed in the oven frozen not only will it wash away some flavor but will also not cook through before the crust burns.
How To Cook Tilapia
Tilapia is a very versatile fish that can be fried, broiled, baked and air fried. It is done when flakey just like cod. Due to the thinness of the fish it cooks very fast. For example, in this recipe it is done in 20 minutes in the oven and about 10-15 in the air fryer depending on the crust.
What Is Tilapia
Tilapia is a white fish such as cod or flounder. This means it has very neutral taste which works perfectly in a recipe like this. Also for non-fish lovers the flavor is very light. The question of is tilapia a real fish comes up often and it’s one of this conspiracies I am uncertain of. I can say it is a fresh water fish that is farm grown and I have yet to come across a wild caught version.
How To Make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
First, any type of white fish can be made with this recipe. To mention, in the photo I used frozen tilapia that I thawed out for ease. But, fresh or frozen works the same just make sure frozen is thawed.
Next, make the parmesan crust. If you’d like to add breadcrumbs for even more crunch use the parmesan and breadcrumb ratio from this recipe and just use the seasonings from this version.
Then, on a baking sheet oil pat fish dry then spread a little oil to help the crust and seasoning stick. Next, lightly drizzle with oil and sprinkle crust on top of fish. Press in lightly for good contact. You can cover 3 fish with this recipe. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove allow to rest 5 minutes then serve.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Add breadcrumbs, to add breadcrumbs just add in 2TB of breadcrumbs into the parmesan cheese mixture and an extra tablespoon of melted butter. Everything else can remain the same.
- Air fryer instructions, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Then, make parmesan crusted tilapia by the recipe. Line the air fryer to prevent sticking. Air fry 7-10 minutes checking the crust first at the 7 minute mark. Tilapia is a thin fish that I would avoid flipping in this recipe.
Parmesan Crusted Recipes You’ll Love
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Tilapia
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- olive oil to coat fish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F, air fryer instructions are in notes below
- Combine grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dill weed, onion powder, black pepper, salt and pour in melted butter. Give a good mix. It will seem a bit dry but just press it together and it'll spread. If worried you can add another TB of butter.
- On a baking sheet line fish and brush with olive oil.
- Sprinkle parmesan on top of each fish and lightly press in. The crust should stick with ease. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Check at 15 minutes because browning will happen fast.
- Once done serve immediately because fish gets cold fast.
Notes
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Add breadcrumbs, to add breadcrumbs just add in 2TB of breadcrumbs into the parmesan cheese mixture and an extra tablespoon of melted butter. Everything else can remain the same.
- Air fryer instructions, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Then, make parmesan crusted tilapia by the recipe. Line the air fryer to prevent sticking. Air fry 7-10 minutes checking the crust first at the 7 minute mark. Tilapia is a thin fish that I would avoid flipping in this recipe.
Nutrition
This is such a good recipe! Even my pickiest eater wanted seconds.
Absolutely delicious- my husband who doesn’t like tilapia and two kids wanted seconds!
Sooooo good, even my 4 year old ate an entire filet! I used my air fryer and added some freshly grated Parmesan and a small handful of Panko breadcrumbs. Also squeezed on some fresh lemon and only breaded the very top of the fish. It created the most delicious crust. Definitely the best tilapia recipe ever!