Name: Crispy Dill Tilapia
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lemon (cut into wedges); Special Equipment:; Baking sheet; Shallow bowl or plate for breading

Crispy Dill Tilapia

When you’re juggling the busy days of family life, you need recipes that are quick, easy, and still feel like a special treat. That’s why this Crispy Dill Tilapia has become a go-to favorite in our home. The first time I made it, my family was blown away by how crispy and flavorful the fish turned out—without the need for deep frying. It’s the perfect combination of crunch from the breadcrumbs and the light, fresh burst of dill, which just elevates the dish to another level. I love how easy it is to prepare, especially on days when I’m racing against the clock but still want to serve something wholesome. The best part? Even my picky eaters loved it! It’s a rare thing for everyone to agree on dinner, but this dish always gets rave reviews from the kids and my husband. The fish comes out so tender and flaky on the inside, while the topping holds its crunch just enough to satisfy that craving for something crispy. I can serve it with a simple side of veggies or a fresh salad, and dinner is done. It’s so simple, yet it feels like a real treat. I truly believe this recipe is a keeper, and it’s been a real hit with my family. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this dish checks all the boxes—delicious, satisfying, and so easy to make.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use a different type of fish?
A: Yes, you can substitute tilapia with other white fish like cod, haddock, or even flounder. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. It will still give you that crispy texture without the gluten.

Q: How do I keep the fish crispy?
A: To ensure the fish stays crispy, try not to overcrowd the pan. If you’re using a baking sheet, be sure to space the fillets out, and bake at a high temperature.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the fish with the breadcrumb topping and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

Q: What should I serve with this?
A: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a quick quinoa side. It’s versatile enough to go with almost anything!

What You Need to Make Crispy Dill Tilapia

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lemon (cut into wedges)

Special Equipment:

Baking sheet

Shallow bowl or plate for breading

How to Make Crispy Dill Tilapia

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, chopped dill, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix.

Prepare the fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breadcrumb coating stick better.

Coat the fish: Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil on both sides. Then, press the fillets into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they’re coated evenly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the tilapia: Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top of the coated fillets to help them crisp up. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Serve and enjoy: Serve the crispy dill tilapia with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a burst of flavor. It’s that simple!

Tips for Making the Best Crispy Dill Tilapia

Use fresh breadcrumbs: If you have the time, make your own breadcrumbs for an even fresher flavor. You can easily do this by toasting a few slices of bread and processing them in a food processor.

Don’t skip the olive oil: A light drizzle of olive oil before baking helps the breadcrumb coating crisp up and gives the fish a beautiful golden color.

Add a touch of garlic: If your family loves garlic, try adding a pinch of garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Check for doneness: Fish cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out. A quick poke with a fork should easily flake the fish.

Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is hands-down one of my favorite weeknight meals! My kids gobbled it up, and it was so easy to make. The fish came out perfectly crispy and flavorful.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I love how simple this recipe is. The dill adds such a fresh flavor, and it doesn’t take long to make. My only wish is that the topping stayed crisp a bit longer.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good recipe, but I found the fish a bit dry in the middle. I’ll try it again with thicker fillets next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A great quick meal! I swapped the tilapia for cod, and it worked wonderfully. The whole family loved it, even my picky eater!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very tasty and easy! I will make this again but will add a little more lemon zest for extra zing.”

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