Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines flaky cod fillets with a crunchy, flavorful crust. This recipe offers a perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and smoky notes, making it a satisfying main course for any night of the week.

Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until evenly distributed.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until well blended.
- Step 4: Dip each cod fillet into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Step 5: Transfer the fillet to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere to the fish.
- Step 6: Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil to help crisp the crust.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and transfer the fillets to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for subtle heat.
- Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for an even crunchier crust.
- Use fresh lemon zest in the egg mixture to brighten the flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage
Store any leftover crispy Parmesan crusted cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, this crust works well with other firm white fish such as haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Just adjust baking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The crust should be golden brown and crispy.
PrintCrispy Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Cod is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender cod fillets coated with a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe delivers a crunchy crust and moist, flaky fish, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Fish and Coating
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Finishing Touches
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cod fillets.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Coat the Cod Fillets: Dip each cod fillet first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then transfer the fillet to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently so the coating adheres well. Place each coated fillet on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all fillets.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the top of each coated cod fillet to help the crust crisp up during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through, opaque, and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully transfer the crispy Parmesan crusted cod to serving plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges and your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are patted dry before dipping in the egg mixture to help the coating stick better.
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia if preferred.
- The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve with lemon wedges to enhance the flavor of the fish.
Keywords: Cod, Parmesan Crust, Baked Fish, Crispy Fish, Healthy Dinner, Easy Seafood Recipe

