This Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe is a delicious and simple way to prepare this mild white fish. It is one of my favorite fish recipes, easy enough for any home cook to master. Recipe developer, my goal is easy recipes for home cooks to recreate flavorful meals that anyone can enjoy, and this cod recipe definitely fits the bill.
Freshly Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod is a delightful healthy meal option that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Cod is a lean protein option, providing about 32 grams of protein per serving, so it’s a nutritious choice for dinner. Using simple ingredients like fresh cod fish fillets, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, lemon, and seasonings, you can create a light and flavorful dinner that is both healthy and satisfying. For the best results, be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a crisp, flavorful crust.
Choosing the Right Fish
Selecting the ideal fish is key to making your parmesan crusted cod truly shine. Fresh cod is the classic choice for this simple recipe, thanks to its mild flavor and firm, flaky texture that holds up beautifully under the parmesan cheese and breadcrumb mixture. If fresh cod isn’t available, other flaky white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut also work well with the savory parmesan crust.
When using frozen cod, it’s important to thaw the fillets completely before cooking. Place the frozen cod in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Once thawed, pat the cod filets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, this step ensures the crusted cod bakes up crisp and doesn’t become soggy. Choosing a firm, mild white fish and preparing it properly will help you achieve restaurant quality results every time with this easy cod recipe.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Cod
Preparing this Baked Cod with Garlic Parmesan Crust recipe is easy, especially with the step-by-step instructions with pictures provided here, or jump down to the printable recipe card below if you prefer.
The recipe makes 4 Servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to prepare this easy fish meal.
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), skin if preferred
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Parmesan crust
- ½ cup (45 g) breadcrumbs (choose Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 lemon - for zest and garnish
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment or grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare Parmesan Crust: In a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, olive oil, parmesan, melted butter, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, and paprika until well combined.
Pat cod dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place on the prepared sheet pan or baking dish.
Press an even layer of the garlic Parmesan crust onto the top of each fillet, ensuring the topping mixture adheres well.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily and the crust is golden and crisp. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. To check doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part and twist; if it flakes easily and is no longer translucent, or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, it is cooked. If you like extra color, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Remove from oven and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon zest, parsley and lemon wedges if desired. This parmesan crusted cod can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy dinner option.
Cooking with Air Fryer
Yes, parmesan crusted cod can also be prepared in an air fryer. This method delivers a crunchy crust and golden brown finish with less time. To start, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the cod filets in a single layer, gently pressing the parmesan mixture onto each piece for the best flavor and texture.
Cook the cod for 8–12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is crisp and golden. For an extra boost of flavor, sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese over the top before air frying. This air fryer technique is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick, healthy meal that the whole family will love. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed or sauteed vegetables and rice or a simple lemony pasta.
- A light green salad pairs nicely to balance richness.
- Serve with French fries, coleslaw and and tartar sauce (try my tartar sauce recipe), as you would fish and chips.
Tips and Variations
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers for a crunchy crust. (See my New England Style Baked Cod Recipe)
- For extra flavor, try adding onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture before coating the fish.
- Brushing the fish with a thin layer of Dijon mustard or mayonnaise before breading helps the crumbs stick and adds extra flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish just before serving for brightness.
Storage
Leftover baked fish can be stored in an airtight container once it has cooled. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
For best results when reheating leftover fish, gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain freshness and quality, avoiding the microwave which can dry it out.
For longer term storage freeze fish for up to 3 months.
Parmesan Crusted Cod
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets 6 oz each, skin if preferred
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Parmesan crust
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 lemon for zest and garnish
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, olive oil,parmesan, melted butter, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, and paprika until well combined.
- Pat cod dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place on the prepared sheet pan or baking dish.
- Press an even layer of the garlic Parmesan crust onto the top of each fillet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily and the crust is golden and crisp. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. To check doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part and twist; if it flakes easily and is no longer translucent, or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, it is cooked.
- If you like extra color, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon zest, parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Air Fryer Version
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the cod filets in a single layer and top with Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Cook the cod for 8–12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is crisp and golden. Storage: Leftover fish can be stored in an airtight container once it has cooled. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.Nutrition
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