Parmesan Crusted Cod

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This Parmesan Crusted Cod has become one of my favorite cod recipes. It’s so easy to make but also tastes delicious. I love simple recipes with a ton of flavor and wonderful texture. The crunchy breading and succulent cod is a textural dream!

A piece of parmesan crusted cod on a plate with another piece broken in half on top.

My family is a huge fan of Chicken Parmesan. The crispy breadcrumbs are so flavorful while the meat remains moist and juicy. With the cod, it’s the same deal! It’s a mild fish so, it doesn’t have a strong fishy flavor. I promise that even your kids will love this parmesan baked cod.

If you like easy cod fish recipes, you will love Crispy Cod Sandwich and Easy Air Fryer Frozen Cod.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Breaded Cod Recipe

Ready in less than 30 minutes: This baked cod is ready to eat in under half an hour making it great when you’re short on time.
Budget friendly: The ingredients needed are inexpensive, including everyday pantry staples.
Versatile recipe: Use whatever seasonings that you like for this recipe. Make it your own!

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make parmesan crusted baked cod. Besides the fish, I almost always have all of the other items in my kitchen. Feel free to incorporate the spices you already have to create new flavors.

Cod filets: Feel free to use fresh or frozen cod. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before making this crispy baked cod recipe.
Olive oil: Any kind of oil will work in this recipe. I always have olive oil on hand so it’s my go-to. It serves as a way to bind the breading ingredients so it sticks to the cod.
Parmesan cheese: You can’t have parmesan crusted fish without the parmesan cheese. I like to freshly grate my cheese whenever possible because I find it has a bolder flavor.
Breadcrumbs: I use Italian-style breadcrumbs for this recipe but feel free to use plain. Be sure to add more seasonings if you choose the plain variety.
Seasonings: A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder adds the perfect amount of flavor. Add paprika, onion powder, or any other spice that you enjoy.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

Spicy breaded cod: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat. You can even try a homemade spice like this jalapeno powder or chipotle powder
Parmesan herb cod: Use chopped herbs like parsley and dill and combine them with the breading for a pop of color and freshness.
Everything bagel cod: For texture and flavor, use your favorite everything bagel seasoning!

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Cod

Get your oven preheated to 400 degrees F and the sheet pan greased with non-stick cooking spray before you prepare your parmesan crusted cod recipe. Then, you can follow the directions below with ease!

Step 1: Dry the cod filets. Pat each of the filets dry with paper towels. Be sure to remove as much excess moisture as possible so the breading sticks to the fish.

Adding oil to a bowl of breadcrumbs and seasonings.

Step 2: Make the breading mixture. Combine the cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices in a small mixing bowl. Stir until it’s well combined and the breading is evenly coated with the olive oil.

Breading added to the top of cod fillets.

Step 3: Coat the cod. Gently press the mixture on both sides of each piece of cod. Then, gently lay them on the greased baking sheet.

Baked breaded fish on a baking tray after coming out of the oven.

Step 4: Bake the fish. Bake the breaded cod for about 18-20 minutes or until brown and crispy. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s fully cooked.

Parmesan breaded cod on a plate with lemons and parsley around on the table.

Step 5: Serve. Make your favorite side dish and enjoy this tasty breaded baked cod!

⭐️ Hint: For easy cleanup, you can line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops.

Storage

Refrigeration: Place any leftover cod filets in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3-4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the cod in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing: Store the leftover cod in individual freezer-safe bags in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the number of portions you need in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

I love this baked breaded cod as leftovers. It’s fantastic shredded and added to Mixed Green Salad with Fruit and Nuts or Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad for a filling and scrumptious lunch.
You can’t go wrong with a flavorful veggie on the side. Some of my favorite options are Sauteed Zucchini and Onions and Roasted Red Cabbage Steaks.
If you love potatoes, I highly recommend Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer as a quick and easy side.

Parmesan crusted cod fillets on a white plate with parsley and lemons.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the fish: Keep an eye on the cod as it cooks. If it stays in the oven too long the breadcrumbs will burn and the fish will become dry.
Make it ahead: Meal prep and make a batch of baked cod with breadcrumbs and store them in the freezer. Thaw throughout the week for lunch or an easy dinner option.
Spray the fish: For an extra crispy result, lightly spray the tops of the cod filet with oil spray.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make them in the air fryer?

Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the fish for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Absolutely. Any variety of white fish would work great! Haddock, tilapia, and halibut are my top picks.

Breaded cod fillets on a white plate with lemon and parsley in the background.

More Delicious Baked Fish Recipes

Do you like baked fish? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.