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Oven-Fried Cod with Crispy Parmesan Breadcrumb Coating Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

This Oven-Fried Cod recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown fish without deep frying, making it a healthier alternative that’s easy to prepare. The cod fillets are coated in a flavorful mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked to perfection for a crunchy texture and tender inside. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

Fish

  • 2 pounds fresh cod (or 1 pound for half the recipe)
  • lemon juice from 1/4 lemon

Breading

  • 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot paprika (or 1/4 teaspoon regular paprika + 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper)

Coating

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs

Others

  • Cooking spray (enough to spray the fish and pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan with foil and grease it thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
  2. Prepare cod: Rinse the cod under cold water, checking carefully for any bones and removing them. Pat the fish dry completely using paper towels, then cut any large pieces into serving portions. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw fish.
  3. Make bread crumb mixture: On a dinner plate, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and paprika (include cayenne pepper if using regular paprika). Stir the mixture well with a fork to blend the flavors evenly.
  4. Prep flour and eggs: Place the flour on another plate or shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, crack and beat the eggs with a fork until smooth.
  5. Set up assembly line: Arrange your workspace with the fish on the left, followed by the flour, eggs, bread crumb mixture, and finally the prepared baking pan on the right to streamline the breading process.
  6. Dredge fish: Using a fork, coat each piece of cod thoroughly in the flour, covering all sides and ends. Transfer to the beaten eggs, coating completely and letting excess drip off. Then dredge the fish in the bread crumb mixture, ensuring every side and edge is well covered.
  7. Arrange and spray: Place each breaded fish piece carefully on the prepared baking pan. Generously spray the entire surface of the fish with cooking spray; this step is crucial to achieve a crispy texture and golden color.
  8. Bake: Bake the fish on the center rack of the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is crisp and golden brown.
  9. Finish and serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the baked cod for a bright, tangy finish. Serve the fish as is or with a side of mayonnaise if you desire a creamy complement.
  10. Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cooked cod can also be frozen and should be consumed within three months for best quality.

Notes

  • For extra heat, use hot paprika or add cayenne pepper to regular paprika.
  • Ensure fish is patted dry to make the coating stick better.
  • Cooking spray on the fish surface helps create a crispy texture without deep frying.
  • Check for bones thoroughly as cod fillets often contain pin bones.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.