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Healthy Crispy Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs

This Crispy Baked Cod recipe delivers golden, flaky fillets with a satisfying crunch—all without frying. Perfect for healthy, easy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Seafood
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cod fillets about 1.5 lbs total
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until crumbly.
  4. Press each cod fillet into the crumb mixture to coat all sides evenly.
  5. Place coated fillets on the baking sheet, spaced apart. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and flaky.
  6. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Enjoy with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour or GF breadcrumbs. To make it dairy-free, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.