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    Home » Main Dishes

    Oven-Fried Cod Recipe (Crispy & Delicious!)

    Published: May 7, 2020 · Modified: Aug 17, 2020 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    breaded fish on a plate with lemon and mayo

    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!

    breaded fish with lemon and mayo

    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.

    flour, bread crumbs, cheese, eggs, fish

    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

    1. Dredge the codfish in flour.
    2. Dip it in beaten eggs.
    3. Dredge the cod in the bread crumb mixture.

    fish dipped in flour, egg, bread crumbs

    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.

    breaded fish on baking pan

    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!

    breaded fish on a plate with lemon and mayo

    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)
    • Coffee 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!)

    Oven-Fried Cod Recipe (Crispy & Delicious!)

    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 breaded, oven-fried fish!
    4.59 from 182 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Go to Collections
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian-American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 276kcal
    Author: Mamma C

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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 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.

    Video

    Notes

    Fish substitutions
    You can use haddock, pollock, orange roughy or any sturdy white fish in this recipe.
    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 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 217IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Mention @cookingwithmammac or tag #CookingWithMammaC!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lynn

      December 19, 2022 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      Best “Fried” Fish! Have made 3 times with cod. Perfect every time! Wouldn’t change a thing.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        December 20, 2022 at 12:14 pm

        Hi Lynn - I'm so happy you enjoyed this! Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    2. Georgianne

      August 03, 2022 at 8:27 pm

      5 stars
      Very Good! My husband loved it.
      I used spray butter on the fish since I don't have cooking spray. Is there anything else I could have used?
      It turned out great! I used plain panko crumbs.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        August 04, 2022 at 11:25 am

        Hi Georgianne - You could try brushing on a little oil. Or, you could purchase a spray dispenser for oil and fill it with that. Here is one I found online. If you purchase through that link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

        Reply
    3. Andi B

      June 22, 2022 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      I love this oven baked version of fried breaded fish. I usually deep fry cod for fish and chips but this is a much healthier option. I've also used whole grain breadcrumbs and it works really well. Tonight I'm serving with roasted veggies and rice. This has definitely gone in the regular rotation. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 22, 2022 at 4:56 pm

        Hi Andi - Thanks for letting me know! Your dinner sounds delicious. It's good to know that whole grain bread crumbs work here too.

        Reply
    4. Claudette

      June 15, 2022 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite recipe for fried fish that i have ever made. Could this recipe be used for boneless and skinless chicken breasts?

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 16, 2022 at 7:46 am

        Hi Claudette - I love hearing that! It should work with chicken breasts, but you might have to experiment with the baking time. I've been meaning to test this.

        Reply
    5. Nancy

      June 11, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      Hello they look delicious. I like cornmeal, is there a way to incorporate it into the ingredients.
      Thanks can’t wait to try it, Nancy

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        June 11, 2022 at 5:09 pm

        Hi Nancy - I've never tried this with cornmeal. Maybe you could add some to the bread crumb mixture. Let me know if you try it.

        Reply
    6. Lisa

      May 10, 2022 at 7:39 pm

      Thank you for this recipe! My husband who wants everything fried loved it!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        May 11, 2022 at 7:44 am

        Hi Lisa - You're welcome! That's great that he can now enjoy this healthier version of fried fish.

        Reply
    7. Kathy

      May 06, 2022 at 9:46 pm

      Thank you, Mamma C for teaching me how to do the dipping and breading with forks. I've always used my fingers and ended up with a mess. The fish was crispy and moist. Perfect! Better than fried.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        May 07, 2022 at 7:23 am

        Hi Kathy - You're welcome! I appreciate you letting me know my instructions were helpful.

        Reply
      • Andi B

        June 22, 2022 at 3:20 pm

        5 stars
        I find it clumsy to do it with forks. I use the wet-hand-dry-hand method. Left hand (dry hand) places fish into flour, shake off excess. Right hand (wet hand) drops floured fish into egg mixture and flips to coat. Right hand drops egged fish into the bread crumbs. Left hand (dry hand) jumps back into coat the fish with breadcrumbs. This stops your hands from the cakey gooey mess that a classic breading station can produce.

        Reply
        • Mamma C

          June 22, 2022 at 4:57 pm

          Hi Andi - Thanks for sharing!

          Reply
    8. Cheri

      April 19, 2022 at 7:18 pm

      5 stars
      Cod was cooked perfectly, flaky and moist. Only comment is that the crust separated from the fish somewhat, meaning I had to spear pieces of fish and pieces of breading separately, but not that big a deal. The flavor was excellent.

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        April 20, 2022 at 6:43 am

        Hi Cheri - When you're breading the fish, try patting the bread crumb mixture onto the cod with the back of a fork. I'm glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    9. Vicki

      April 03, 2022 at 7:49 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and perfect made exactly as recipe states...we all loved it, and husband kept remarking on how good it was. Definitely a keeper to be made again and again....

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        April 04, 2022 at 6:33 am

        Hi Vicki - I'm so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    10. Pat

      March 26, 2022 at 7:31 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect recipe for easy and crispy oven baked fish. Nice coating that doesn't overpower the taste of that fresh fish. Made exactly with just a touch of cajun seasoning in the bread crumb mixture. Definately a keeper!

      Reply
      • Mamma C

        March 27, 2022 at 6:28 am

        Hi Pat - The Cajun seasoning sounds great! I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for your detailed review!

        Reply
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    I'm Andrea, also known as Mamma C. I share family-tested recipes from my Italian-American kitchen. I hope you'll visit often! Read More…

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