Ingredients:

  • 4 (6 oz / 170g) tilapia fillets
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and place a wire cooling rack atop a large baking sheet.
  2. Pat tilapia fillets firmly on both sides with paper towels to remove surface moisture, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Prepare two shallow bowls: whisk the beaten egg in one, and combine Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in the other.
  4. Dip each fillet into the egg binder, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
  5. Place fillets on the wire rack and lightly spray the tops with cooking oil or drizzle with melted butter.
  6. Bake in the center rack for 10–12 minutes until the crust is mahogany-gold and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).