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.
Leslie says
Finally! I've been searching for a healthy version of fish and chips. Tried it with this cod first. Super yummy. I might want to try it in tacos next.
Mamma C says
Hi Leslie - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Tacos are delicious with it too.
Rhonda says
I loved this recipe. Very tasty. I oven-baked french fries on the same sheet pan at the same time for an easy one-pan meal. Simple and satisfying -- much better, in my opinion, than fried fish.
Mamma C says
Hi Rhonda - I love the idea of making french fries at the same time. Thanks for letting me know you loved this recipe!
Perley says
It's in the oven right now. I just know it's going to be good!
Mamma C says
Hi Perley - I hope you enjoyed it!
Linda Reynertson says
Excellent crispy coated fish with just a touch of spice. My husband loved it and I thought it was great - and I have not been impressed with other "baked fish" recipes. Lives up to its name and is delicious.
Mamma C says
Hi Linda - I'm so happy to hear that! I tested this recipe over and over to get it just right. I wasn't satisfied with other recipes either.
Lisa Wright says
So good and crispy. I used panko breadcrumbs for extra crisp. Yum!
Mamma C says
Hi Lisa - I'm so happy you enjoyed this! Thanks for letting me know.
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
This looks delicious. It looks like it's been fried with oil but it's actually much healthier!
Mamma C says
Hi Nart - Exactly! Thank you.
Krissy Allori says
We love fried fish but would love a healthier option. This looks perfect. Easy and much better for you. Saving this for next week. Thanks!
Mamma C says
Hi Krissy - I hope you enjoy this oven-fried cod as much as we do!
Irina says
Thank you for this easy and delicious recipe. Made it today: the cod crispiness is fantastic!
Mamma C says
Hi Irina - I'm so happy to hear that!
Annissa says
I love that this fish is baked instead of fried. Looks super-tasty, too! Can't wait to try it!
Mamma C says
Hi Annissa - Yes, we really don't miss all the oil from frying. This is so good! I hope you enjoy it.
Suzy says
This is the best way to cook cod! Comes out so tasty and delicious!
Mamma C says
Hi Suzy - Yes! We love cod this way. Thank you!