My Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe is coated in a cheesy lemon pepper mixture then oven-baked until crispy. This is a simple, healthy fish recipe my family is always excited to eat. It is so flavorful, made with just a few ingredients in under 20 minutes.
![overhead view of parmesan crusted tilapia filets on an oval platter with salad greens, lemon wedges, and a fork.](https://www.thecookierookie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/parmesan-crusted-tilapia-recipe.jpg)
This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.
What’s in Lemon Pepper Tilapia?
Sweet and mild tilapia filets are seasoned with tangy lemon pepper and Parmesan cheese then baked to crispy perfection in the oven. This is a quick and simple dinner recipe that I always keep in my back pocket. I know my family will love it, and it’s super quick to throw together.
- Tilapia Filets: Use 4 oz filets. You can use fresh or frozen fish, but I do recommend thawing it if you use frozen. The better quality the fish, the better it’s going to taste!
- Parmesan: Use grated Parmesan cheese in the seasoning mixture–this will be pressed into the surface of the fish. Then use shredded Parmesan on top of each filet to create that crispy crust in the oven.
- Seasonings: Lemon pepper adds the perfect balance of bright and spicy, without overwhelming the tilapia. There’s also chopped Parsley in the mix, and you can add salt, but it’s fine to skip.
- Olive Oil: Your regular olive oil will work great for this recipe, but don’t use EVOO.
Pro Tip: Tilapia doesn’t have much of “fishy” odor or flavor, but if that bothers you, you can soak it in milk before cooking– 15 minutes should do the trick!
Variations on Parmesan Tilapia
It’s really easy to change up the flavor of this lemon pepper tilapia by mixing in different seasonings, spices, and herbs to the cheese mixture.
- Instead of lemon pepper, you could use Italian seasoning, Creole seasoning, or Blackened seasoning.
- Add garlic powder or garlic salt.
- Use cilantro, Tarragon, or another herb in place of the Parsley.
- Mixing in some red pepper flakes will add some heat.
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover Parmesan crusted tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 275°F oven until warmed through.
How to Freeze
To freeze, wrap individual tilapia filets in aluminum foil, place them in a Ziplock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These Parmesan crusted tilapia filets are so simple but still flavorful, and they make a great main dish if you want a healthy dinner. I like to garnish tilapia with diced green onion and lemon slices to finish off the flavor nicely.
Serve it over a bed of salad greens (pictured) or with a side of white rice, Parmesan polenta, or Parmesan roasted potatoes. This lemon Parmesan roasted broccoli complements the flavor perfectly.
5-Star Review
“This is one of the best and easiest recipes I have made. The family loved it, including the 6 & 7 year old grandchildren. I’ve made it several times and it is always a hit. ” – Jill
As with many fish and seafoods, tilapia is a low-calorie source of protein, filled with plenty of other nutrients. It includes significant amounts of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, vitamin B12, niacin, and vitamin B6.
There’s no need to marinate this tender, flaky fish, as it is quite mild and takes on flavoring well. Plus, acidic ingredients often found in marinades can make tilapia turn mushy.
When cooked through, tilapia will be opaque with a white color. It should also flake easily when you test it with a fork. Check it at the thickest part of the filet, and it should read 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Although it is a low-moisture fish, tilapia can still turn mushy. Be sure to pat it dry before baking, and don’t marinate it in acidic ingredients, as they can break down the meat too much.
Most seafood contains a compound called trimethylamine oxide which is responsible for that “fishy” taste and odor. Tilapia tends not to taste fishy, but if you’re concerned about it, you can soak the raw fish in milk for a bit before breading it to neutralize the flavor.
I love everything about this recipe, easy, quick, and delicious. It pairs well with couscous and a steamed veggie of your choosing. I didn’t have lemon pepper on hand, so just used pepper and squeezed lemon juice just before serving. I would post a picture, but it is all gone.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
I love to hear that!
Modify to your liking!
I am sorry it wasn’t for you, you can modify to your taste!
This recipe was delicious. It was quick and easy. I loved it. I would highly recommend![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Thanks for sharing, Deena!
This recipe was OUTSTANDING! Seriously yummy!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
I love hearing that, Sherri!
It’s delicious.![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
Thanks for stopping by, Crystal!
So good! The whole family really enjoyed it!![5 stars](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAEACAkQBADs=)
I love to hear that!
I know this is not apart of the recipe but will the leftover tilapia smell when warmed up? I know regular fish smells when warmed up, but you mentioned tilapia doesn’t smell bad.
It definitely could omit some smells!
Modify to your liking!
Just throw some lemon on it, anytime it’s too salty, the reverse will be acid