Are you tired of soggy, bland fish that disappoints every time you try to cook it? Get ready to transform your dinner game with this mind-blowing Crispy Oven Baked Tilapia recipe that will have your family begging for seconds! Imagine perfectly golden, crunchy tilapia fillets that are so delicious, you'll forget you're eating healthy. This foolproof method turns ordinary tilapia into a restaurant-worthy dish that's incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to achieve a crispy texture on the tilapia.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the two eggs until well combined. This will be used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the tilapia fillets.
- Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure the coating sticks properly.
- Dip each tilapia fillet into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
- Next, transfer the egg-coated tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the fish, then flip to coat the other side.
- Place the coated tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
- Once all fillets are coated and placed on the baking sheet, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake the tilapia for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. You can check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tilapia rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve the crispy oven-baked tilapia with your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each fillet space to crisp up evenly
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like dried parsley or dill to your breadcrumb mixture
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the fish reaches the perfect 145°F internal temperature
- Let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to help retain moisture
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
