18 Crispy Breaded Tilapia Recipes Deliciously Golden

Posted on April 14, 2025

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Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood recipe? Look no further than our collection of 18 crispy breaded tilapia recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From classic lemon butter sauce to spicy Cajun flavors, we’ve got you covered with a range of tasty options.

In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring different flavor profiles and cooking methods to bring out the best in this versatile fish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So grab your apron and let’s get started!

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Panko-Crusted Breaded Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

Panko-Crusted Breaded Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce
This recipe combines the crispy texture of panko breadcrumbs with the delicate flavor of tilapia, served with a bright and tangy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and garlic.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated tilapia and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve the panko-crusted tilapia with the warm lemon butter sauce spooned over the top.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Spicy Cajun Breaded Tilapia with Remoulade

Spicy Cajun Breaded Tilapia with Remoulade
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful dish that combines the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the crunch of a crispy breading. This recipe yields tender and juicy tilapia fillets smothered in a creamy remoulade sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each tilapia fillet into the buttermilk, then coat in the Cajun breading mixture.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the breaded tilapia for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve with remoulade sauce and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Garlic Parmesan Breaded Tilapia with Herbs

Garlic Parmesan Breaded Tilapia with Herbs
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of parmesan cheese, the pungency of garlic, and the freshness of herbs. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tsp chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Sprinkle parsley and dill over the top of each fillet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Cornmeal-Crusted Breaded Tilapia with Mango Salsa

Cornmeal-Crusted Breaded Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and crispy Cornmeal-Crusted Breaded Tilapia, served with a sweet and tangy Mango Salsa. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mango Salsa ingredients (see below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Mango Salsa:

– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all salsa ingredients in a bowl. Serve with the Cornmeal-Crusted Breaded Tilapia.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Crispy Beer-Battered Breaded Tilapia Tacos

Crispy Beer-Battered Breaded Tilapia Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this mouthwatering combination of crispy beer-battered tilapia, crunchy breaded coating, and fresh taco fixings.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup beer
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Taco fixings: lime wedges, cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and your favorite taco sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together beer, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the beer batter, coating evenly.
4. Dredge battered fillets in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Fry battered tilapia for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with taco fixings.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on frying time)

Lemon Pepper Breaded Tilapia with Dill Aioli

Lemon Pepper Breaded Tilapia with Dill Aioli
Lemon Pepper Breaded Tilapia with Dill Aioli: A bright and zesty twist on traditional breaded fish, paired with a refreshing dill dip.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dill Aioli ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp chopped fresh dill, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, lemon pepper seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry breaded tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, salt, and pepper to make the Dill Aioli.
6. Serve fried tilapia with a dollop of Dill Aioli on top.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia with Tartar Sauce

Air Fryer Breaded Tilapia with Tartar Sauce
This recipe yields a deliciously crispy and flavorful tilapia dish, perfectly paired with a tangy tartar sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in no time!

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tartar sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia in Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through and crispy.
6. Serve with tartar sauce for dipping.

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Herbed Breadcrumb Tilapia with Garlic Butter

Herbed Breadcrumb Tilapia with Garlic Butter
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the flaky goodness of tilapia, the savory aroma of garlic butter, and the crunch of herbed breadcrumbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle garlic butter over the fish (see below).
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.

Garlic Butter:

1. Mix softened butter and minced garlic in a small bowl.
2. Spread or drizzle over tilapia before baking.

Coconut Breaded Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa

Coconut Breaded Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Transform tilapia into a tropical paradise with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, unsweetened shredded coconut, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine pineapple chunks, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño pepper in a bowl.
7. Serve baked tilapia with Pineapple Salsa spooned over the top.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Parmesan-Crusted Breaded Tilapia with Marinara

Parmesan-Crusted Breaded Tilapia with Marinara
A flavorful and crispy tilapia dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the tender fish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a rich marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
3. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with cooking spray or olive oil.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve warm with marinara sauce spooned over the top.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Blackened Breaded Tilapia with Avocado Crema

Blackened Breaded Tilapia with Avocado Crema
Elevate your seafood game with this crispy blackened tilapia recipe, served with a refreshing avocado crema that complements its rich flavors.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add blackened tilapia and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, mash avocados with lime juice and sour cream in a bowl.
7. Serve blackened tilapia with avocado crema spooned on top, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes

Almond Flour Breaded Tilapia with Lemon Caper Sauce

Almond Flour Breaded Tilapia with Lemon Caper Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this refreshing and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. Crispy almond flour breading gives way to tender tilapia, smothered in a zesty lemon caper sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup almond flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge tilapia fillets in the almond flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Transfer tilapia to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
6. Meanwhile, combine lemon juice, capers, and butter in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat until the sauce has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes.
7. Serve tilapia with the warm lemon caper sauce spooned over the top.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Buffalo Style Breaded Tilapia with Blue Cheese Dip

Buffalo Style Breaded Tilapia with Blue Cheese Dip
Get ready to spice up your seafood game with this bold and tangy recipe! Crunchy breaded tilapia is smothered in a spicy buffalo sauce, served alongside a creamy blue cheese dip for a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

For the tilapia:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste

For the blue cheese dip:

– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Frank’s RedHot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place breaded tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix blue cheese dip ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
6. Serve buffalo-style breaded tilapia with blue cheese dip and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Greek-Style Breaded Tilapia with Tzatziki

Greek-Style Breaded Tilapia with Tzatziki
Experience the flavors of Greece with this crispy and refreshing dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Crispy breaded tilapia is served with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tzatziki sauce ingredients (see below)

Tzatziki Sauce:

– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, oregano, and lemon zest.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki sauce by combining yogurt, cucumber, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl. Season to taste.
7. Serve breaded tilapia with tzatziki sauce and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Crunchy Potato Chip Breaded Tilapia

Crunchy Potato Chip Breaded Tilapia
Transform your tilapia into a crispy, indulgent treat with this unique recipe that combines the flavors of potato chips and breadcrumbs.

Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup potato chip crumbs
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together potato chip crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Sweet and Spicy Breaded Tilapia with Honey Glaze

Sweet and Spicy Breaded Tilapia with Honey Glaze
Sweet and Spicy Breaded Tilapia with Honey Glaze Recipe

Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and spicy breaded tilapia dish, topped with a sticky honey glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle honey glaze (mix of honey, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice) over the fish.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Mediterranean Breaded Tilapia with Olive Tapenade

Mediterranean Breaded Tilapia with Olive Tapenade
This recipe combines the crispy crunch of breading with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, all wrapped up in a delicious and healthy tilapia dish. With its tangy olive tapenade accompaniment, this meal is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Olive tapenade (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the breaded tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the tilapia and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve with a dollop of olive tapenade for added flavor.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Gluten-Free Breaded Tilapia with Herb Mayo

Gluten-Free Breaded Tilapia with Herb Mayo
Discover the perfect combination of crispy fish and creamy herb sauce in this gluten-free recipe.

Ingredients:

– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together gluten-free breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, and garlic.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise, parsley, and dill in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve baked tilapia with herb mayo on the side.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary

Get ready to indulge in a world of crispy and delicious tilapia recipes! From classic lemon butter sauce to spicy Cajun flair, these 18 mouth-watering breaded tilapia recipes offer something for every taste. Try Panko-crusted tilapia with garlic parmesan, beer-battered tacos, or Mediterranean-style tilapia with olive tapenade. With options like gluten-free herb mayo and sweet and spicy honey glaze, you’ll never get bored with this fishy favorite.

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