Name: Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 to 1 ½ lbs cod fillets (cut into 3-4 oz pieces); 6 oz tortilla chips (pieces, crumbles, or whole chips); 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon fine salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen recommended); Nonstick cooking spray (Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Spray recommended); ⅓ cup mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen recommended); 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (from ½ lemon); 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from ¼ lemon); 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced; ⅛ teaspoon dried dill; Pinch of coarse sea salt; Lemon wedges; Capers; Fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that combines a satisfyingly crispy texture with bright, zesty flavors, then this Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. The tender cod fillets get a crunchy coating made from crushed tortilla chips seasoned with garlic and paprika, baked to perfection without frying, making it lighter yet still incredibly flavorful. Paired with a vibrant lemon-garlic aioli that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with aromatic herbs, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests, showcasing how straightforward ingredients can create a memorable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval plate holds six pieces of raw, pale fish fillets with smooth, slightly shiny texture, arranged loosely with some pieces overlapping. To the left, a white bowl is full of golden-yellow tortilla chips stacked unevenly, showing their speckled, rough surface. Above the fish and chips, there are five small clear and white bowls arranged closely on a white marbled surface: one with a creamy white paste, another with a yellow mashed substance, a small bowl of bright yellow lemon zest, another with a light yellow liquid, and a small white bowl containing a mix of dry spices with colors like black, white, red, and beige. One clear bowl holds finely chopped green herbs. The overall scene is bright and clean, with all dishes and ingredients clearly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is key to making the Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe sing. Each component plays an essential role—from the crispy coating that delivers crunch and color, to the luscious aioli that brings brightness and depth to every bite.

Cod fillets (1 to 1 ½ lbs): Choose fresh, firm fillets to get that tender, flaky texture that bakes beautifully.
Tortilla chips (6 oz): These provide the secret to an irresistible crispy crust; feel free to use plain or lightly salted chips.
Garlic powder (1 ½ tsp): Enhances the savory profile with a subtle punch of garlic flavor.
Onion powder (½ tsp): Adds a delicate sweetness that balances the seasonings perfectly.
Paprika (¼ tsp): Offers a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the crust.
Fine salt (½ tsp): Essential for seasoning throughout to bring out all the flavors.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Just enough sharpness to add depth without overpowering.
Primal Kitchen Mayo (2–3 tbsp plus ⅓ cup): Used both as a binder for the crust and a base for the aioli, it keeps everything rich and creamy.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps achieve that coveted crispy finish when baking.
Lemon zest (1 tsp) and fresh lemon juice (2 tsp): These brighten the aioli with fresh, citrusy notes.
Garlic clove (1, finely minced): Packs the aioli with a fresh garlic kick for extra flavor.
Dried dill (⅛ tsp): Adds a lovely herbal, slightly tangy layer to the aioli.
Coarse sea salt (pinch): A finishing touch that enhances the final flavors.
Optional garnishes: Lemon wedges, capers, and fresh chives or parsley add freshness and visual appeal.

How to Make Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rack

Start by preheating your oven to 450ºF to ensure it’s nice and hot, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust. Then, set up one or two metal wire cooling racks on top of a baking sheet—this setup allows air to circulate under the fish so the coating crisps evenly instead of steaming.

Step 2: Prep the Cod Fillets

Rinse your cod fillets under cold water to freshen them up and pat them dry thoroughly. Patting dry is a game-changer here because too much moisture prevents the coating from sticking and crisping properly. Next, cut the fillets into manageable 3- to 4-ounce pieces, which helps them cook evenly and makes serving easier.

Step 3: Make the Crunchy Coating

Into your food processor, toss the tortilla chips along with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blitz everything until it resembles breadcrumbs—you want a mixture that’s coarse enough to give crunch but fine enough to stick well to the fish. This flavorful blend is the heart of your crispy coating.

Step 4: Coat the Fish

Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise in a small bowl, and using a pastry brush, spread a thin, even layer on both sides of each cod piece. Then gently but firmly press each fillet into the tortilla chip mixture, coating all sides well. This mayo base is a clever trick that helps the crispy topping adhere and creates a golden crust when baked.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the coated cod pieces spaced evenly on your wire racks over the baking sheet. Give each one a light mist of nonstick cooking spray—this extra step is key to toasting the coating without frying. The spray helps the crust get beautifully brown and crunchy while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet onto the middle rack of your oven and bake the fish for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the coating is crisp, golden, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. If it needs a bit longer, give it another 2 to 5 minutes to finish cooking through.

Step 7: Whip Up the Lemon-Garlic Aioli

While the cod bakes, combine ⅓ cup mayonnaise, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, grated garlic, dried dill, and a pinch of coarse sea salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and aromatic—this lemon-garlic aioli is the perfect creamy, tangy companion that elevates every bite of the crispy fish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cod is done, plate each piece and generously spoon the lemon-garlic aioli over or beside it. Finish with optional garnishes like fresh lemon wedges, capers, or chopped chives to add brightness and color. This final presentation makes the Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe feel truly special.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe

A white oval plate filled with several pieces of crispy golden-brown fried fish fillets, each with a rough crumb coating and a few scattered dark green capers on top. Some fish pieces show the tender white inside where one is slightly broken open. There are three lemon wedges half-placed on top of the fish, sprinkled with small green herbs and black pepper. On the left side of the plate, a small round bowl holds white creamy dipping sauce topped with finely chopped green herbs and pepper, with a gold spoon resting inside. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of chopped chives, a plate with extra lemon slices in the background, and a light beige cloth napkin on the lower right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of capers imparts a tangy pop that contrasts beautifully with the creamy aioli, while fresh chives or parsley add a herbaceous freshness and vibrant green color. A wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to add a bright citrus squeeze for that extra zing.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with simple, fresh sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted potatoes. The mild cod and bright aioli complement both light and hearty sides, making your meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe over a bed of zesty quinoa or cauliflower rice to soak up the aioli. Alternatively, make small slider-style sandwiches with soft buns and fresh greens, turning this into a casual but impressive handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover cod in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. The fish is best eaten within 2 days to retain its freshness and texture, but the crispy coating may soften slightly over time.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cooked cod by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, use within one month to enjoy the flavors at their peak.

Reheating

To bring back some of the original crispiness, reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy and less appetizing.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod works wonderfully thanks to its flaky texture, white fish varieties like haddock, pollock, or tilapia will also yield delicious results when prepared with this coating and aioli.

Is it possible to make the aioli dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe’s aioli base uses mayonnaise, which is typically dairy-free. Just be sure to choose a dairy-free mayo, and your aioli will remain creamy and luscious without any dairy.

How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Using a nonstick cooking spray on the coated fish before baking and placing the fish on a wire rack to allow air circulation are key steps. Also, ensuring the fish is well-dried before applying mayo helps achieve maximum crispiness.

Can I prepare the tortilla chip coating mixture in advance?

Definitely. You can grind the seasoned tortilla chips up to a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. This saves prep time and keeps the mixture fresh and ready for quick assembly.

What’s a good alternative if I don’t have a food processor?

You can crush the tortilla chips by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to break them into fine crumbs. Then mix in the seasonings by hand for a similar effect.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe a try—its combination of crunchy golden crust, flaky fresh fish, and tangy, herb-infused aioli is truly a winner. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a special treat but comes together with surprising ease. So grab those simple ingredients and get baking; your taste buds will thank you!