How Long to Bake Tilapia at 400 F

Jump to Recipe

Tilapia is a healthy, nutritious, delicious, and affordable fish that can make for an easy workday meal or a high-class affair with friends. Whether you prefer it with a simple seasoning or a more elaborate marinade, this fish is versatile and cooks quickly, making it a perfect choice for a busy schedule. But, to truly enjoy its qualities, be sure to bake it correctly.

Tilapia fillets at 400F — Tilapia fillets baked in the oven at 400F

To bake tilapia at 400° Fahrenheit, start by preheating your oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tilapia fillets on the baking sheet. Then, season the tilapia as desired, and bake for 6-8 minutes or until the fish is cooked through. To finish, plate the fish and add garnish as you see fit.

If it's your first time baking tilapia, rest assured that it's a fairly easy meal to prepare, and continue reading to learn more. This guide will explain a few key points to help you make a delicious dish that's cooked through yet never dry.

Bake at 400° Fahrenheit for Soft and Moist Tilapia

Cooking fish for friends can sometimes be a gamble. Not everyone loves seafood, but even those who swear they don't usually enjoy tilapia. This white fish is fairly mild in flavor with a slightly sweet taste, and when properly cooked, its texture is flaky and moist. And, best of all, Tilapia fillets are almost always free of the pesky little bones that drive people crazy.

To cook tilapia correctly, you'll want to bake it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature helps to seal in the natural juices of the fish so that it doesn't dry out during the cooking process. When your guests dig into the meat, it'll be soft and flaky, just like a good cut of fish should be.

Adjust Baking Times According to Weight and Thickness

Although you'll want to bake tilapia at 400 degrees, the cooking time will vary depending on the weight and thickness of the fish. For example, an 8oz tilapia fillet that's about an inch thick will need to bake for 7 to 8 minutes. If your fillet is on the thinner side, check it after 5 minutes, and if it's thicker, let it bake for an extra minute or two.

You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. It should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit when it's fully cooked. To ensure that your tilapia is cooked through, use this cooking time chart as a guide:

4 minutes for a 4-6 oz fillet that's <½ inch thick
6 minutes for a 6-8 oz fillet that ½ inch thick
7 minutes for an 8-10 oz fillet that's ½ inch thick
9 minutes for a 10-12 oz fillet that's>½ inches thick

Ideally, the fish should look opaque all the way through when you cut into it. If it's still translucent near the center or feels floppy rather than flaky, it needs to bake for a few minutes longer.

When to Wrap the Fish in Aluminum Foil

If you want to get really fancy with your tilapia, you can wrap it in aluminum foil before baking. This creates a steamy environment that helps the fish to cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. Simply place the tilapia on a sheet of aluminum foil, season it as desired, and then seal the foil around the fish.

Be sure to leave a little bit of space at the top of the packet so that steam can escape. Also, if you choose to wrap your tilapia in aluminum foil, you'll need to adjust the baking time. For a 4-6 oz fillet, bake for 6 minutes, and for a 6-8 oz fillet, bake for 8 minutes. If you have a thicker fillet, you may need to bake it for an extra minute or two.

As always, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. It should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit when it's fully cooked and appear opaque, white, and flaky. The fish may appear wet but this is normal and the result of steaming it in foil.

Should You Thaw Frozen Tilapia?

If you're in a rush, you may be tempted to bake frozen fillets of tilapia straight from the frozen. Ideally, this isn't the best tactic, though, as frozen fish can cook unevenly and often results in a dry, rubbery texture. To prevent this, always thaw your fish overnight in the refrigerator.

If you don't have time to do this, place the frozen fish in a sealable bag and submerge it in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes or until it's thawed. If you're really in a bind, you can cook frozen tilapia, but you'll need to adjust the baking time.

For a 4-6 oz fillet, bake for 9 minutes, and for a 6-8 oz fillet, bake for 11 minutes. For a thicker fillet, you may need to bake it for an extra minute or two. Again, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish and look for a readout of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. We also recommend testing various spots for the sake of safety.

Will Breading the Tilapia Affect Baking Times?

Breading your tilapia fillets with a mix of breadcrumbs and spices is a wonderful way to lock in flavor and add a lovely crispy exterior to the fish. It also helps to add and lock in some moisture thanks to a triple bath of milk, egg, and batter. However, the added ingredients can affect the total amount of time you'll have to bake the fish.

If you want a truly crispy exterior—like fried fish—you'll have to bake the fillets for at least 10 minutes. But, if you'd prefer a moister fish, you can reduce the baking time to 8 minutes. It all comes down to personal preference.

To bread the tilapia, start by mixing together some breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together an egg and some milk. Dip each fillet in the egg mixture and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.

How to Serve Baked Tilapia

Once your tilapia is cooked, it's time to plate and serve. We recommend serving it with a simple salad and some roasted potatoes. If you want to get really fancy, you can also serve it with a dollop of lemon butter or a creamy sauce on top. Thanks to its mild flavor, the possibilities really are endless so don't be afraid to experiment and try different recipes.

A Few Key Tips to Improve Your Tilapia

Before we share our easy step-by-step recipe for baked tilapia, we wanted to share some essential tips to help you get the most out of your meal. Of course you don't have to follow all of them but feel free to pick and fix as you like.

Don't Forget to Salt the Fish BEFORE Baking: If you want moist, succulent fish, always remember to salt it before baking. This will help to flavor the fish as well as draw out moisture so that it doesn't dry out during the cooking process.
Soak the Fish in Milk: If you're not keen on the fishy smell or flavor of tilapia, soak the fillets in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to neutralize the fishy flavor and leave you with a more mild-tasting fish.
Use a Spicy Marinade: A simple way to add flavor to your tilapia is to marinate it in a mixture of your favorite spices. This works especially well if you're looking to give the fish a bit of a kick. Simply whisk together your chosen spices with some olive oil and lemon juice, and then soak the fish in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Bake the Fish on a Bed of Veggies: Another great way to flavor tilapia is to bake it with veggies. This not only infuses the fish with additional flavor but also helps to keep it moist while it cooks. Simply line a baking sheet with parchment paper and top with a mix of onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Then, place the tilapia on top and bake accordingly.
Top with Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are a great way to brighten up any dish and they work especially well with fish. Simply sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top of the fish before baking and let the flavor blend together in the oven. We like to use thyme, rosemary, and parsley, but you can really use any herbs that you like.
Finish with a Spritz of Lemon: Last but not least, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving is a great way to brighten up the flavor of tilapia. If you want to get really fancy, you can also garnish the fish with some lemon slices.

You can also try adding other ingredients, such as capers, olives, sundried tomatoes, or other flavorful toppings to the baking dish to create exciting new meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tilapia a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids?

Yes, tilapia is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be beneficial for heart health. It's also rich in choline, vitamin B12, selenium, and vitamin D, making it a wonderfully healthy addition to your repertoire of recipes.

Why is tilapia so affordable?

Most commercial tilapia is farm-raised, which helps to keep the price down. It's also a very hearty fish that can withstand being frozen and thawed without losing its flavor or texture, making it a great choice for budget-minded cooks.

What's the best way to store tilapia?

If you're not going to cook the fish right away, store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you need to store it for longer, wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe wrap and store it in the freezer for up to six months.

How can I tell if frozen tilapia has gone bad?

If you're not sure if the fish is still good, look for signs of freezer burn or off-putting smells. If the fish looks or smells bad, it's best to throw it out. As with most meats, rotten tilapia can cause bacterial diseases and lead to severe food poisoning.

Where is tilapia originally from?

Tilapia is native to Africa but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including Asia, North America, and South America. For this reason, you can find numerous recipes that use the fish but have completely different flavor profiles. If you're feeling adventurous, try making a tilapia curry or a tilapia ceviche.

An Easy Recipe to Add to Your Week-Night Rotation