Baked Lemon, Parmesan & Panko Crusted Cod Fillets

Quick, flavorful baked cod fillets with Parmesan, lemon, and panko crust—perfect for weeknights or special occasions in under 30 minutes!

If you’re in search of a meal that is both quick to prepare and impressive to serve, look no further than these Baked Lemon, Parmesan & Panko Crusted Cod Fillets. This recipe brings together the light, flaky texture of cod with the rich flavors of Parmesan, garlic, and zesty lemon, creating a dish that’s elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for busy weeknights. Best of all, it takes under 30 minutes from start to finish and uses simple ingredients, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time cleaning up.

Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or a newcomer to cooking fish, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy cod fish at its finest. The crispy panko crust perfectly complements the delicate fish, and the bright citrus notes bring everything together for a dish that feels light yet satisfying. There is a resson this is one of my favorite cod recipes, and hopefully it becomes an easy recipe your whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 14 minutes in the oven, you can have a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than half an hour.
Healthy and Nutritious: Cod is a low-fat, high-protein fish rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Paired with wholesome ingredients like olive oil and fresh parsley, this dish is as good for you as it is delicious.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of Parmesan, lemon zest, and garlic creates a vibrant, savory crust that elevates the mild cod into something extraordinary.
Versatile: Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or buttery mashed potatoes for a complete meal that suits any occasion.

ingredients in Baked Lemon, Parmesan & Panko Crusted Cod Fillets

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Cod Fillets: Cod is a mild, white fish that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with bold flavors. If fresh cod fillets aren’t available, you can substitute haddock or halibut.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a golden, crispy crust.

Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs provide a light and crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko offers a superior crunch.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the savory flavor profile of the dish.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds depth and balance to the breading mixture.

Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, herby flavor.

Lemon Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy aroma that complements the fish and enhances the overall flavor.

Olive Oil: Binds the breading ingredients together and helps achieve a golden crust.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the fish and bringing out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.

How to Make this Panko Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Season the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the breading adheres properly. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper, then arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

cod fillets seasoned with salt and pepper

Mix the Breading: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, parsley, and olive oil. Stir until evenly mixed.

mixture of parmesan, lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, herbs and seasonings

Coat the Fillets: Spoon the parmesan mixture on the top of each fillet, pressing gently to adhere it to the fish.

cod fillets topped with panko and parmesan, ready to be baked

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145 degrees f. The breading should be golden brown, and the fish should flake easily with a fork.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Store the Recipe

If you have leftovers, let the fillets cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips:

For best results maintaining the crispy topping, reheat the fillets in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as this can make the breading soggy. However, the toaster over or air fryer are good alternatives.

Delicious Sides that Pair Beautifully with these Tender Cod Fillets

Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions

Fall Quinoa Salad with Caramelized Onions and Vinaigrette

Tips for Making this Parmesan-Crusted Cod Recipe

Choose Fresh Cod: Opt for fresh, high-quality cod fillets for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen fish, thaw them completely and pat dry cod fillets thoroughly before cooking.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The lemon zest is key to the bright, fresh flavor of this dish. Use a microplane to zest only the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Customize the Herbs: Feel free to swap the parsley for fresh dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
Check for Doneness: Fish cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. The fillets are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and flake easily with a fork.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.

This Baked Lemon, Parmesan & Panko Crusted Cod Fillets recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish is a winner every time. Bon appétit!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! This recipe works well with other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The cod fillets reheat well in the oven, making them a great option for meal prep. Pair them with your favorite sides and store them in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the fresh garlic. However, fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the breading mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply season the fillets, top them with the breading, and bake.

What can I serve with this dish?

Baked cod pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it with quinoa, rice, or garlic mashed potatoes.