Oven-Fried Cod Recipe (Crispy & Delicious!) (2024)

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

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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)
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!)

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!

4.57 from 268 votes

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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.

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.

Nutrition

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Deb
February 14, 2024 at 9:59 am

OMGoodness! You are absolutely right...this is my FOREVER go too recipe! Even my pickie hubby loved it! Easy and dee-lish!
Reply
- Mamma C
  February 15, 2024 at 8:35 am
  Hi Deb- I love hearing that! Thanks for letting me know!
  Reply
Colette
December 15, 2023 at 3:33 pm

I love this recipe. My codfish came out so nice and crispy. I just have one question can I use it on scallops?
Reply
- Mamma C
  December 16, 2023 at 7:42 am
  Hi Colette - That's a great question! Twenty minutes at 450 would be way too long for scallops, and they'd turn out tough. I do have a Broiled Scallops with Parmesan Bread Crumbs recipe that's not as crispy but is so delicious. I hope you try that one, and as soon as I test a version of this recipe with scallops, I'll report back.
  Reply
- Mamma C
  December 28, 2023 at 7:01 am
  Hi Colette - Just an update that I don't recommend using this oven-fried method with scallops.
  Reply
  - Jack W.
    January 24, 2024 at 5:56 am
    Superb! How to reheat and keep crisp please?
    Reply
    - Mamma C
      January 24, 2024 at 6:22 am
      Hi Jack - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! If you have an air fryer or toaster oven, that works well to keep it crispy when reheating. It won't stay crispy in the microwave, but it will still be delicious.
    - Jack
      January 24, 2024 at 7:14 am
      oops my fault, in the oven please?
    - Mamma C
      January 25, 2024 at 7:52 am
      Hi Jack - You could try putting in on a sheet pan and reheating it at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. You might have to flip it over at the halfway point.
Linda
November 28, 2023 at 10:49 pm

This was excellent! I have struggled for years trying to get a crisp coating on oven baked fish. The flour dredging must be the trick. Only had Panko; still great. No spray oil so I just oiled the tin foil; could have used a bit more oil as it stuck. Next time. Thank you!
Reply
- Mamma C
  November 29, 2023 at 6:52 am
  Hi Linda - I'm so glad you enjoyed this! I tested this recipe over and over to achieve the crisp coating.
  Reply

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Oven-Fried Cod Recipe (Crispy & Delicious!) (2024)

FAQs

How do you fry cod without it falling apart? ›

Make sure to thoroughly dry and season your cod fillets before you begin the recipe. Don't Move the Fish. Once you've placed your fish in the skillet, avoid the temptation to move it around. Let it cook undisturbed until it's time to flip it over.

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Why is my baked cod rubbery? ›

Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

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What temperature should cod be cooked at? ›

You'll know your cod is done when it flakes easily when pressed with a fork, and the flesh is opaque white and no longer translucent. In terms of doneness, the official FDA recommendation is an internal temperature of 145˚F as measured by a food thermometer, which will be a very firm piece of fish.

Get More Info ›

What oil makes fish crispy? ›

Thanks to its neutral flavor, affordable price, and high smoke point, canola oil is the most popular oil for frying fish. Peanut, cottonseed, and coconut oil are also great fish frying oils.

Should fish be covered or uncovered when baking in the oven? ›

Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Tell Me More ›

Is cod better in the oven or pan? ›

Pan-frying is a great option for cod fillet or loin as there is time to produce a lovely crispy skin without overcooking the delicate, flaky flesh. This is the way cod and similar white fish are often cooked in restaurant kitchens and is very simple to do at home.

Get More Info ›

How do you cook cod so it's not rubbery? ›

A notoriously finicky fish, cod needs as much moisture as it can get in the hot oven. Cook the cod at a high temperature. The less amount of time the cod spends in the oven, the less likely it is to turn out rubbery and dry. That is to say, cooking it at a high temperature is key to not making it rubbery.

Why does my baked cod taste bitter? ›

One of the reasons fish will taste bitter is due to incorrect manner of slicing the fish. Sometimes the gall bladder of the fish, which contains bile which of course is bitter, gets punctured when the fish is being cut. The leaked bile gets quickly absorbed in the fish body. This gives it a bitter taste.

Learn More Now ›

How long does cod take in the oven at 400 degrees? ›

Bake in 400 degrees F heated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cod is cooked through. The fish is ready when it turns a beautiful white opaque and flakes easily when you take a fork to it. Garnish and serve! I love adding some parsley for a pop of green!

View Details ›

Can cod be slightly undercooked? ›

Pacific cod should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130F to 135F for firm and flaky fillets. Cooking cod below or above this range can result in rubbery or mushy fish.

See Details ›

How long should cod be cooked? ›

Place fillets in baking dish, crust-side up. Bake until firm, about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Serve with lemon wedges.

How to make things crispier in the oven? ›

Keep the oven shut as much as possible to reach cooking temperature faster. Use a perforated sheet tray. This helps hot air circulate more easily among the fries, increasing crispness. Don't thaw your fries before baking.

Read The Full Story ›

How do you crisp soggy fish? ›

How to Reheat Fish in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place fish in single layer in the basket.
Place basket in the air fryer and air fry for 3 to 4 minutes.
Carefully flip fish over and cook 3 to 4 minutes more, or until the fish is thoroughly heated.
Cool for 2 to 3 minutes and enjoy.

Jun 14, 2023

Discover More ›

How do you cook fish so it's not soggy? ›

Pat your fish dry before cooking.

Excess moisture will cause the fish to steam rather than sear. Steaming causes that squishiness.

Read On ›

How to make fish crispy on outside? ›

Pan-searing to achieve a crispy skin is one of the most delicious and quick ways to cook a piece of a fish! To nail shatteringly crunchy skin every time, you just need dry skin, hot oil and press down lightly to help the skin contact heat as it cooks.

Learn More ›