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These oven-fried tilapia fillets are crisp, flavorful, and incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights. The mayonnaise–Dijon mixture helps the breadcrumbs adhere beautifully and keeps the fish moist as it bakes.
The Parmesan-seasoned crumbs create a golden crust, and the whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges, vegetables, or a simple salad for a light and satisfying meal.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Fast and easy. About 30 minutes from start to finish.
Great texture. The coating bakes up crisp without frying.
Flavorful crust. Parmesan crumbs and spicy mustard add depth.
Family friendly. Mild tilapia works with many sides and sauces.
Ingredient Notes
- Tilapia fillets – Mild white fish that cooks quickly; substitute catfish or cod if needed.
- Egg + mayo + mustard – Creates a sticky coating that helps crumbs adhere and adds flavor.
- Parmesan breadcrumbs – Provide seasoning, texture, and color.
- Paprika – Adds warmth and gives the crust a little color.
- Salt and pepper – Season lightly before coating.
Steps to Make Oven-Fried Tilapia Fillets
- Heat the oven and prepare a lined, greased baking sheet.
- Season the tilapia lightly with salt and pepper.
- Whisk the egg, water, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- Mix the breadcrumbs and paprika.
- Dip the fillets in the egg mixture, then in the crumbs.
- Arrange on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake until the fish flakes easily and the coating is golden.
Tips
- Pat the fish dry before coating so the crumbs adhere better.
- Use a thin metal spatula to lift the fillets without breaking them.
- Thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes of baking.
- Add lemon zest to the crumbs for brightness.
- Make it spicy. Add cayenne or hot paprika to the breadcrumbs.
- Use panko. Swap in panko for an extra-crispy crust.
- Try Italian-style. Add dried basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
- Swap the mustard. Honey mustard or whole-grain mustard changes the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with lemon wedges or tartar sauce.
- Pair with rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Add a green salad or slaw for freshness.
- Enjoy as fish sandwiches on soft rolls or in tacos with toppings.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The coating will soften slightly but reheats reasonably well.
Freeze: Not recommended. Baked, breaded fish becomes mushy and the coating loses its crispness after thawing.
Reheat: Warm gently in a 350°F oven or air fryer to restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving, which softens the coating.
Oven-Fried Tilapia Fillets
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray, for the pan, plus more for the fish
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 tilapia fillets, about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil and spray it with olive oil spray.Olive oil spray
- In a bowl, combine the egg, water, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard; whisk to blend.1 large egg | 1 tbsp water | 2 tbsp mayonnaise | 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the seasoned bread crumbs with the paprika; stir to blend thoroughly.1 1/2 cups Parmesan seasoned bread crumbs | 1 tsp paprika
- Dip the tilapia fillets in the egg mixture to coat and then in the bread crumb mixture, turning to coat both sides. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.4 tilapia fillets | Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Arrange the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spray them lightly with more olive oil spray.Olive oil spray
- Bake the tilapia fillets for about 10 minutes; turn and continue baking for 8 to 10 minutes longer, or until fish is cooked through. The time depends on thickness of the fillets. The fish will be opaque and will flake easily with a fork when done.
- With a spatula, gently remove the fillets to a serving platter or individual plates.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
