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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

crispy parmesan crusted cod - featured image

This crispy Parmesan crusted cod is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring a crunchy, cheesy coating and tender, flaky fish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple ingredients and is baked, not fried, for a healthier meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin removed
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Tartar sauce or remoulade (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray or brush with a little olive oil.
  2. Pat the cod fillets completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Mix together with a fork until evenly distributed.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and toss with a fork until the oil is evenly distributed.
  5. Press each cod fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat all sides. Use your hands to gently press the coating onto the fish.
  6. Place the coated fillets on the prepared wire rack, leaving a little space between each piece.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The cod is done when the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the fish completely dry to ensure a crispy crust. Freshly grated Parmesan works best. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast. Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy parmesan crusted cod, baked cod, easy fish recipe, 30-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy fish recipe