Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds tilapia (3 to 4 fillets) 
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (or 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil*)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Italian panko
• Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Bring the tilapia to room temperature. Place it on a cutting board and pat it dry with a paper towel.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian panko.
4. Spread the mayonnaise on both sides of each fillet. Sprinkle the tops with the salt (divided between the fillets) and a few grinds black pepper. Flip over one fillet and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on the back, then place the reverse side on the parchment lined baking sheet and sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs. Repeat for the other two fillets, dividing the breadcrumb mixture between them.*
5. Bake 16 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until browned and flaky and the internal temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with a food thermometer.