This Oven-Fried Cod will become your go-to recipe! I tested it over and over to achieve the best, crispy, baked cod. Use this method for any oven-fried fish!
Say hello to your new favorite fish recipe.
Because after one taste, you'll be making this breaded cod again and again. I worked hard to ensure it's worthy of being added to my collection of the best seafood recipes!
After much testing, this oven-fried cod meets my requirements:
- Crispy on the outside
- Tender on the inside
- Tastes delicious
- Uses just a small amount of oil for a healthier option than fried fish.
My family (the whole gang is here!) gave it all thumbs up. And, they're relieved they don't have to endure more of my experiments, for cod's sake!
Oven-fried cod ingredients
It starts with fresh cod, of course. You can use Atlantic cod or Pacific cod, and feel free to substitute haddock, pollock, orange roughy, or any sturdy white fish.
You'll need flour, eggs and plain bread crumbs for the crispy coating. You can use store-bought or homemade bread crumbs.
You'll mix the bread crumbs with Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and hot paprika, for a little kick. You can substitute smoked or regular paprika for the latter, along with a little cayenne pepper.
But no worries, this isn't spicy hot. Just tasty. I don't do bland around here!
Can you use seasoned bread crumbs?
If you don't have plain bread crumbs in the house, you can certainly start with seasoned ones. Just add the Parmesan and hot paprika to them.
You shouldn't need the salt and garlic powder. But taste the breading once it's mixed (before it touches raw fish), to see if it needs anything.
How to bread fish
- Dredge the codfish in flour.
- Dip it in beaten eggs.
- Dredge the cod in the bread crumb mixture.
Tips for crispy baked cod
- Use flour in addition to the beaten eggs and bread crumbs. This makes a huge difference in the crispiness factor!
- Bake at a high temperature (450 degrees F) for 20 minutes. This ensures a crispy coating and a tender interior.
- Bake directly on a greased, foil-lined half-sheet pan (affiliate link) to allow the bottom of the cod to crisp. I tried using a baking rack, but it made the bottoms soggy.
- Spray the whole surface of the breaded fish with cooking spray. This also adds flavor and prevents dried-out crumbs.
How to serve oven-fried cod
- It's delicious with just a drizzle of lemon juice, but you can dip it in mayo, if you wish.
- Enjoy it as "fish and chips" with a side of fries or just go with potato salad and vegetables.
- Make a fish sandwich with mayo, lettuce and an optional slice of cheese. I love the leftovers this way for lunch!
- Serve it in a fish taco with guacamole and tomatoes. My daughter loves this using a flour tortilla!
Storing the leftovers
This recipe makes enough for six servings (but you could halve the recipe if you wish). Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.
You also could freeze the cooked cod. Just place it in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container, in a single layer, and use within three months, for best quality.
More cod dishes to try
- Parmesan-Crusted Cod with Garlic Butter (gluten free & keto)
- Garlic Butter Cod
- Cod with Tomatoes
- Beer-Battered Cod
And, here are some tips on how to buy and cook cod. Enjoy!
(Recipe Source: Cooking with Mamma C)
Oven-Fried Cod Recipe (Crispy & Delicious!)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh cod (or make 1 pound with half recipe)
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon hot paprika (or regular paprika + ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper)
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs
- cooking spray (enough to spray the fish and pan)
- lemon juice from ¼ lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan with foil and grease it with cooking spray.
- Rinse the cod and feel for any bones to remove. Pat it dry with paper towels. Cut any large pieces into serving portions. Wash your hands.
- In a dinner plate, add the bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, paprika (and cayenne pepper, if needed). Stir with a fork to combine.
- Place the flour in another plate or shallow bowl.
- Crack the eggs into another shallow bowl and beat them with a fork.
- Set up an assembly line from left to right with the fish, flour, eggs, bread crumb mixture and the baking pan.
- Use a fork to dredge a piece of fish in the flour, coating both sides and ends. Use another fork to transfer the floured fish to the beaten eggs. Coat the fish all over with the eggs and let any excess drip off. Then, dredge the fish in the bread crumb mixture, coating both sides and the ends.
- Place each piece of breaded cod on the prepared pan. Spray the entire surface of the fish with cooking spray. (This is important for texture and flavor.) Bake on the center rack for 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Squeeze some lemon juice on the fish. Serve the cod as is, or with mayo, if desired.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cooked fish also can be frozen and should be used within three months, for best quality.
Notes
- It's delicious with just a drizzle of lemon juice, but you can dip it in mayo, if you wish.
- Enjoy it as "fish and chips" with a side of fries or just go with potato salad and vegetables.
- Make a fish sandwich with mayo, lettuce and an optional slice of cheese. I love the leftovers this way for lunch!
- Serve it in a fish taco with guacamole and tomatoes.
Linda Thoren says
Hello I did not spray my dish on the wrong side since you said to spray the foil? The fish was all stuck to the foil? Please carify
Mamma C says
Hi Linda - Perhaps I use more cooking spray that you did. You can try spraying the foil more generously next time, and even spray the bottom of the fish. Also, be sure to pat the cod dry well before starting to dip and bread it.
Theresa says
Yummy. Easy. New go to for crispy cod!
Mamma C says
Hi Theresa - I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for leaving a review.
Stephany says
I have a food allergy to dairy. Can I skip the cheese, or should I sub with something else?
Mamma C says
Hi Stephany, I would skip the cheese and add extra bread crumbs, plus a little extra salt. I know there are vegan cheeses, but I haven't tried them.
Michelle Ann Stanley says
LOVE THIS! HUGE hit with my husband & several friends I've made it for. We get our fish from an AMAZING company called Wild Alaskan, best fish ever!
Mamma C says
Hi Michelle Ann - That's great to hear! I've made this for guests too and it's always a hit.
Emi says
Can you use Panko bread crumbs? Thanks
Mamma C says
Hi Emi - That should be fine.
Melissa Johnson says
Perfect! Made it tonight for fish sandwiches and served with wild rice. Everyone loved it! Thank you for the simple, quick and easy recipe.
Mamma C says
Hi Melissa - I'm so glad! We love it on sandwiches too. You're welcome!
Eugenie says
This is the best recipe for pacific cod without deep frying. I had tried various recipes with the fish and this is, by far the most delicious one.
Mamma C says
Hi Eugenie - That's great to hear! Thank you for leaving a review.
Yvonne says
How is leftover fish heated
Nancy Baker says
We absolutely love this recipe
Only one I use now
No more fried fish
Mamma C says
Hi Nancy - I love hearing that! Thanks for leaving a review.
Jackie Walters says
We love this recipe!! My husband is very picky, and he enjoyed every bite of his Crispy Oven Baked Cod! I love it as well. This will become my go to fish recipe now. Thanks!
Mamma C says
Hi Jackie - You're welcome! I'm making this again today. Thanks for leaving a review.
Tamara says
hello, excited to try it tonight. any substitution for parmesan cheese if I don't have enough?
thanks
Mamma C says
Hi Tamara - You could add some shredded asiago or mozzarella if you have it, or even cheddar. Or, use extra bread crumbs instead of replacing the cheese. You might need to add extra salt when you taste the cooked cod. Enjoy!
Mark s. says
Delicious. This is the only fish recipe I do now. My wife is not much of a fish eater but after having this, she will only eat her fish this way. Thank you!
Mamma C says
Hi Mark - I love hearing that! You're welcome.