Breaded Tilapia

This breaded tilapia recipe is easier to make than you might think. Our version is baked, not fried, so you don’t have to worry about using a deep-fryer or finding the right fryer oil. It’s also ready in only 20 minutes, making it one of our favorite fish dishes ready in 30 minutes or less.

Tilapia is a freshwater fish that can be found in grocery stores throughout the country. The white, flaky fish tastes fantastic when breaded with bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt and oregano.

Ingredients for Breaded Tilapia

• Tilapia: Look for tilapia fillets that weigh about 5 ounces each.
• Bread crumbs: You can use store-bought or homemade soft bread crumbs. To make homemade bread crumbs, tear a piece of stale bread into pieces. Place it in a food processor and pulse until crumbs form.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a slight nuttiness to oven-baked tilapia.
• Garlic salt: This combination of ground garlic and salt can be found in the spice aisle at the grocery store.
• Oregano: Dried oregano easily disperses in the breading to add an herbaceous character to the baked fish.

Directions 

Step 1: Prepare the bread crumb coating

Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese, garlic salt and oregano.

Step 2: Bread the fish

Coat the fillets in the bread crumb mixture.

Step 3: Bake the breaded tilapia

Place the fillets on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Breaded Tilapia Variations

• Add heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breading to inject a hint of spicy flavor.
• Change up the breading: Swap in a substitute for bread crumbs like crushed crackers or cornflakes. Try using panko bread crumbs to make baked tilapia with panko bread crumbs.

How to Store Breaded Tilapia

Store leftover breaded tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked fish will keep in the fridge for up to three days.

How do you reheat breaded tilapia?

The best way to reheat baked tilapia is in a 350° oven. You could use the microwave, but the tilapia might leave a lingering fishy aroma in the microwave.

Breaded Tilapia Tips

How do you make gluten-free breaded tilapia?

To make gluten-free breaded tilapia, use store-bought gluten-free bread crumbs. You can also make your own using gluten-free bread.

Can you make this breaded tilapia recipe with another type of fish?

You can make this recipe with any white, flaky fish. Try using halibut or grouper, or swap in the fish from our breaded flounder or baked breaded cod recipes.

What vegetable side dishes should you serve with breaded tilapia?

Serve breaded tilapia with delicious side dishes for fried fish like coleslaw, steamed green beans or roasted zucchini.