Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
Introduction
This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe offers a crispy, flavorful crust that perfectly complements the mild, flaky fish. It’s quick to prepare and makes for a delightful weeknight dinner or a special meal when serving guests.

Ingredients
- 6 tilapia fillets (defrosted if frozen)
- 2 eggs
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon slices (for serving)
- 1 ½ cups Panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup cornflake crumbs
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and water until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a separate shallow dish, mix the Panko bread crumbs, cornflake crumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Dip each tilapia fillet into the egg mixture, then press it firmly into the crumb mixture, ensuring the fillet is completely coated.
- Step 4: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Step 5: Place the coated fillets in the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 3 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets, cover again, and cook for another 3 minutes until the crust is golden and the fish is cooked through.
- Step 6: Serve the tilapia immediately with fresh lemon slices for an added bright flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the crumb mixture in a dry pan before coating the fish.
- Swap Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard for a milder flavor.
- Use fresh parsley instead of dried for a fresher taste and garnish.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or skillet to maintain the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the Parmesan crusted tilapia instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes on a greased baking sheet. This method is lighter but may not yield as crispy a crust as pan-frying.
What can I use if I don’t have cornflake crumbs?
You can substitute with extra Panko bread crumbs or crushed crackers. Each will add a slightly different texture but work well as a coating.
PrintParmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful fish dinner that’s quick to prepare. The fillets are coated in a savory mixture of Panko, cornflake crumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then pan-fried to golden perfection, making it a perfect weeknight meal served with fresh lemon slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fish and Coating
- 6 tilapia fillets (defrosted if frozen)
- 1 ½ cups Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 cup cornflake crumbs
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- lemon slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the eggs, Dijon mustard, and water. Mix well to create a smooth coating mixture, then set aside.
- Mix the Coating Ingredients: In a separate shallow dish, combine the Panko bread crumbs, cornflake crumbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Coat the Tilapia Fillets: Dip each tilapia fillet first into the egg mixture, ensuring the fish is fully covered. Then transfer the fillet to the crumb mixture, pressing the crumbs firmly onto the fish to achieve an even and thorough coating.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Allow the butter to melt and combine with the oil to create a hot, sizzling cooking surface.
- Cook the Fish: Place the coated tilapia fillets carefully into the hot skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 3 minutes, then gently flip the fillets over, cover again, and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Serve: Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and serve immediately with fresh lemon slices to add a bright, zesty flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the tilapia fillets are evenly coated to get a crispy crust.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the crust while ensuring the fish cooks through.
- You can substitute cornflake crumbs with extra Panko if desired.
- Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover cooked fish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best fresh.
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Crispy Tilapia, Quick Fish Dinner, Pan-Fried Tilapia, Easy Fish Recipe

