Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and chopped parsley.

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides of each fillet with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon the buttery panko breadcrumbs over the top of the fish, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

If you’d rather a crispier golden brown top, broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, and watch the fish fillets closely to prevent burning.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the crispy baked cod rest for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, lemon-dill aioli, and your choice of sides, such as a fresh salad, steamed asparagus, rice pilaf, or green beans.