Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than our collection of 18 crispy tortilla crusted tilapia recipes! With flavors ranging from spicy to smoky, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In this article, we’ll be exploring a variety of creative and tasty ways to prepare tilapia using crispy tortilla crusts. From classic tacos to innovative salads, our collection has something for everyone.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a quick and easy weeknight dinner, these recipes are sure to impress. And the best part? They’re all surprisingly simple to make! So go ahead, get creative with your tilapia, and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy tortilla crusts and tender fish.
Spicy Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Avocado Crema
A flavorful and crunchy twist on traditional tilapia, this recipe combines the spiciness of tortilla chips with the creaminess of avocado crema. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Avocado crema (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the olive oil, then coat in the tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare avocado crema by mashing ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lime and Cilantro Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Tacos
Add a burst of citrusy freshness to your tacos with this innovative recipe, where crispy tortilla crust adds crunch to tender tilapia.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound tilapia fillets
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tacos shells (store-bought or homemade)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat tilapia fillets evenly with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of the remaining marinade onto a flat surface. Arrange tortilla quarters on top, overlapping slightly to create a crust.
- Place a marinated tilapia fillet in the center of the tortillas; fold the crust over the fish, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook coated tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Assemble tacos by placing the crusted tilapia onto shells and serving with lime wedges and cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chipotle Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Mango Salsa
A flavorful fusion of Mexican and Caribbean cuisine, this recipe combines the spicy kick of chipotle peppers with the sweetness of mango salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 tsp lime juice
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mango Salsa (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, minced chipotle peppers, and lime juice.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the chipotle mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of the tilapia.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve with Mango Salsa (see below).
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Panko and Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Nuggets
Elevate your seafood game with this unique Panko and Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Nugget recipe. The combination of crispy Panko breadcrumbs and crunchy tortilla strips creates a delightful texture that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into nuggets
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips (e.g., Fritos)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together Panko breadcrumbs and crushed tortilla chips.
2. Dip each tilapia nugget into the beaten egg, then coat in the Panko-tortilla mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry coated tilapia nuggets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Baked Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Black Bean Salad
A flavorful and nutritious seafood dish that combines the tender taste of tilapia with the crunch of tortilla crumbs and the earthy sweetness of black beans.
Ingredients:
For the Tilapia:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 lime, juiced
For the Black Bean Salad:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together tortilla crumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the olive oil, then coat in the tortilla crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze lime juice over the top and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve baked tilapia with the black bean salad and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Air Fryer Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Bites
Elevate your seafood game with these crispy and flavorful tilapia bites, coated in a tortilla crust and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4-6 corn tortillas
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together olive oil, lime juice, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each tilapia piece into the marinade, then coat with crushed tortilla chips.
4. Place coated tilapia pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve hot with optional cilantro garnish.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cheesy Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Quesadillas
Get ready for a twist on traditional quesadillas with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines crispy tortilla crusts with tender tilapia and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the cheese mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle a quarter of the cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Place a coated tilapia fillet on top of the cheese mixture.
6. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
7. Place quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Southwest Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Bowls
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional tilapia bowls, this recipe combines the crunch of crispy tortilla crust with the spices of the Southwest.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed Fritos
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed Fritos, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and ground cumin.
3. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper. Coat each fillet in the tortilla crust mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray or drizzle with cooking spray or oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Cilantro Lime Rice
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this simple and flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
For the tilapia:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Season tilapia fillets with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each fillet in the tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake tilapia for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook rice according to package instructions. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crunchy Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Lettuce Wraps
Elevate your mealtime with this unique and flavorful recipe that combines the crunch of tortilla chips with the flaky goodness of tilapia. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 lettuce leaves
– Optional toppings: diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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. Assemble wraps by placing a cooked tilapia fillet onto a lettuce leaf and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the crunch of tortilla crumbs with the tenderness of tilapia. The result is a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 large bell peppers, any color
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix together crushed tortilla chips, cheese, and cilantro.
4. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper. Stuff each fillet with the tortilla mixture, dividing it evenly among the four fillets.
5. Place stuffed tilapia inside the peppers, drizzling with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fish is cooked through and peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Tortilla Crusted Tilapia
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and crispy tilapia recipe, featuring a garlic butter tortilla crust that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup garlic butter spread
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together garlic butter spread and a pinch of salt.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the garlic butter mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Place a tilapia fillet in the center of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla over the fish to form a compact package. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Place the coated tilapia bundles seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over each bundle.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Smoky Paprika Tortilla Crusted Tilapia
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and crispy tilapia recipe, infused with the smoky depth of paprika.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup crumbled tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together tortilla chips, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jalapeño Lime Tortilla Crusted Tilapia
This Jalapeño Lime Tortilla Crusted Tilapia is a flavorful twist on traditional fish recipes, with the perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors. A simple yet impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 limes, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, and lime juice.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated tilapia 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 fish is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Coconut Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your seafood game with this tropical twist on traditional tilapia, featuring a crunchy coconut tortilla crust and a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together coconut, tortilla chips, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the coconut mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine pineapple, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.
7. Serve baked tilapia with pineapple salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Baja-Style Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the crispiness of tortilla crust with the tender sweetness of tilapia.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup corn tortillas, crushed
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortillas, panko breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and cumin.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the tortilla mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with vegetable oil and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by placing a piece of cooked tilapia into each shell, followed by your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Yogurt Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional tilapia recipes, this dish combines the flaky fish with a crunchy tortilla crust and a zesty Greek yogurt dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the yogurt mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon juice.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Top with chopped parsley (if using) and serve with your favorite greens or as a stand-alone dish.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Sliders with Chipotle Aioli
A flavorful twist on traditional sliders, these tortilla-crusted tilapia bites are packed with spice and served with a creamy chipotle aioli for dipping.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets
– 1 cup corn tortillas, crushed
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chipotle aioli (recipe below)
– Optional: lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onion for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortillas, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a separate dish, beat the egg.
4. Dip each tilapia fillet into the beaten egg, then coat in the tortilla mixture.
5. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Meanwhile, mix together chipotle pepper and aioli (see below).
8. Assemble sliders by placing baked tilapia on a bun and topping with chipotle aioli.
Chipotle Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 minced chipotle pepper
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your fish game with these 18 crispy tortilla crusted tilapia recipes for every occasion! From spicy and savory to cheesy and creamy, there’s something for everyone. Recipes include Spicy Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Avocado Crema, Lime and Cilantro Tortilla Crusted Tilapia Tacos, Chipotle Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Mango Salsa, and many more innovative twists on the classic dish. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or comforting classics, these recipes will inspire you to create mouthwatering meals for any gathering or special occasion.
