Jump to Recipe This easy panko baked cod is a tasty combination of tender cod fillets breaded with buttery Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and lemon zest! They’re incredibly quick, wonderfully tasty, and a versatile part of easy weeknight family meals! Panko & Parmesan Baked Cod Panko baked cod is a perfect dinner for when you want something light and tasty! This recipe adds a spicy twist with a bit of Cajun seasoning under the crunchy Parmesan panko crust. If you like a little sizzle in your meals, this is for you!Living in a landlocked state, I always look forward to the occasional seafood. It makes me think of warm weather, beach days and growing up on the Oregon coast. Cod also makes an inspired outdoor lunch on a blue-sky afternoon (not that I need an excuse to enjoy seafood)! Deliciously crispy panko baked cod is an easy dinner that everyone will love! Crispy, panko-breaded cod fillets baked to tasty perfection! 

Jump to:Panko & Parmesan Baked Cod ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe! 🥘 Ingredients 📖 Variations 🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions 💭 Angela’s Tips & Recipe Notes 🐟 Other Great Fish Recipes 📋 Recipe

Baking a breaded fish vs. dropping into a pan full of oil makes it a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s a foolproof option for anyone trying to add more seafood to their life, and it takes less than 30 minutes. With such mild-tasting fish and fantastically delicious breading, it’s a great meal for the whole family, including those who are hesitant about fish. ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe! Good for Large Dinner Parties! Lots of dinner guests? It only adds a few minutes to your prep time to bread some extra fish. Great Texture! Between the super crunchy outside and the tender, flaky inside this is a dynamite texture combination! It’s Flavorful! For something as light as this, this Panko baked cod is packed full of flavor! 🥘 Ingredients Most of these are pantry staples, but you’ll likely need to take a trip to the local seafood market for cod. You also may want to mix your own Cajun seasoning; it’s well worth it and really makes this dish special. Cod - Look for something in roughly 5-ounce portions. You can substitute another mild-tasting white fish (orange roughy, pollock, walleye, etc.) for the cod. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the thickness of your fillets.Cajun Seasoning - My recipe contains garlic and onion powder, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, etc. and goes great with any type of meat or seafood. Salt - Any salt will work; use whatever you have on hand.Eggs - Get farm-fresh, free-range for the best quality.Panko Breadcrumbs - Panko gives the breading an even bigger crunch than traditional breadcrumbs.Parmesan Cheese - This salty Italian cheese has a bold taste that compliments lots of different dishes.Parsley - Parsley adds subtle flavor and a pop of color!Lemon - Use the zest for the fish and the juice for making drawn butter for the side!Butter - Either sweet cream or salted will work in this recipe. 📖 Variations To change things up, try replacing the Cajun seasoning with one of the following: Dried Basil. Lemon, basil, and Parmesan go great together. The basil will balance the saltiness of the cheese with a subtle sweetness. You’ll love it!Lemon Pepper and Garlic Powder. Maximize the lemon flavor with lemon pepper while adding a bit of spice! Garlic and lemon are very complementary, especially on fish.Cayenne Pepper and Chili Powder. If you like a little heat, try this combo! It’s full of both sweet and mild ground chilis, as well as things like cumin, oregano, and paprika. Garlic, Thyme, and Sweet Paprika. For a unique, sweet herbal mix, try this blend. Try using  smoked paprika instead of sweet for an intense smoky flavor.  You can also mix freshly chopped herbs in the breading. Try sage, rosemary, or basil. 🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions No unusual equipment is needed for this straightforward fish dish. Just grab a bowl, a plate, and a baking sheet.

1 2

Preheat. Set your oven to 450℉ (232℃) and prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.Season the cod. Dry the 2 pounds of cod in portions by patting it with a paper towel. Then, in a small bowl, mix ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt and generously sprinkle it over the cod. If you’ve opted to buy your Cajun season from the store vs. make your own, don’t add salt. Store-bought brands already contain it.Prepare the breading. Start by beating 2 eggs in a bowl or shallow dish. In another dish, combine 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, and zest from 1 large lemon. Use a fork to mix in 1 tablespoon melted butter until all of the breadcrumbs are dampened.Coat the cod. Next, take a piece of cod and dip it into the beaten egg. Then, drag it through the breadcrumb mixture, being sure to coat all sides. Transfer it to your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the cod.Bake. Move the baking sheet to the middle rack of your oven and bake for 15 minutes. When finished, the fish should be flaky, and the internal temperature should be 145℉ (63℃). Serve. Remove from the oven when done and serve immediately. This makes a delicious lunch or dinner. Serve with drawn butter or tartar sauce for dipping, and garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Oven-baked panko cod dish is also fantastic with sauteed asparagus or roasted brussel sprouts. Air fryer garlic bread makes a delicious side and brings out and complements the featured flavors of the fish. Enjoy! 💭 Angela’s Tips & Recipe Notes For an extra thick crust, double bread the cod. To make an even crunchier coating, repeat step 4 of the instructions. Egg and bread each piece of cod twice. You’ll get a thick, buttery crust with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, and parsley.To test for doneness, look for flakes. Using a fork in the thickest part of the fillet, pull off a piece of fish. It should come apart easily, and you should see flakes. You can also test for internal temperature using a thermometer probe. Don’t overcook it! Too long in the oven, and it will become dry and rubbery.Use fresh or frozen fish for this recipe. If you use frozen fillets, thaw them in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water in its packaging. The latter process takes about 15-20 minutes. There will be extra water on them one they’ve thawed, so be sure to dry them as completely as possible. Breading will stick better on dry fish and become much crunchier when cooked. Extra moisture causes steam that will make the breading mushy.When buying fish, especially if you don’t live anywhere near the sea, be conscious of where it comes from and how it’s been handled. In many grocery stores, the “fresh” fish you find has been previously frozen. Some frozen fish is flash frozen at its freshest point. This is not the case everywhere, but it’s worth looking into.

🐟 Other Great Fish Recipes Grilled HaddockSalmon In White Wine SaucePan Seared SalmonBaked Salmon In Foil PacketsAir Fryer TilapiaLemon Butter Baked Cod

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 22 reviews

Panko Baked Cod

This easy panko baked cod is a tasty combination of tender cod fillets breaded with buttery Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and lemon zest! They’re incredibly quick, wonderfully tasty, and a versatile part of easy weeknight family meals!

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 servings Calories: 242kcal Prep 10 minutes Cooking 15 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 2 lbs cod (portioned into roughly 5 ounce sections)▢ ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning (see recipe or use your favorite brand)▢ ½ teaspoon salt▢ 2 large eggs (beaten)▢ 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs▢ 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese▢ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)▢ 1 large lemon (zested - save the lemon juice for making drawn butter to serve with your baked cod)▢ 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

InstructionsPreheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.Portion cod and pat dry with a paper towel, then combine seasoning (Cajun seasoning and salt - omit salt if using a store-bought brand) and sprinkle over cod.2 lbs cod, ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon saltIn a bowl or shallow dish add the beaten egg, in another combine the Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest. Add melted butter and stir to combine until all of the breadcrumb is coated.2 large eggs, 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 large lemon, 1 tablespoon butterDip each cod portion into the beaten egg first, then transfer into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. Place coated cod onto your prepared baking sheet.Place in the middle of the center rack of your oven and bake at 450°F (232°C) for 15 minutes, or until the internal the fish is flaky. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Serve with drawn butter or tartar sauce on the side for dipping if desired. NutritionCalories: 242kcal (12%) | Carbohydrates: 17g (6%) | Protein: 33g (66%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 128mg (43%) | Sodium: 474mg (21%) | Potassium: 743mg (21%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 2g (2%) | Vitamin A: 798IU (16%) | Vitamin C: 12mg (15%) | Calcium: 98mg (10%) | Iron: 2mg (11%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! baked cod, oven baked, Panko Baked Cod, seafood Course Dinner Recipes, Main Dish, SeafoodCuisine AmericanAngela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

This easy panko baked cod is a tasty combination of tender cod fillets breaded with buttery Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and lemon zest! They’re incredibly quick, wonderfully tasty, and a versatile part of easy weeknight family meals!

Panko & Parmesan Baked Cod

Panko baked cod is a perfect dinner for when you want something light and tasty! This recipe adds a spicy twist with a bit of Cajun seasoning under the crunchy Parmesan panko crust. If you like a little sizzle in your meals, this is for you!Living in a landlocked state, I always look forward to the occasional seafood. It makes me think of warm weather, beach days and growing up on the Oregon coast. Cod also makes an inspired outdoor lunch on a blue-sky afternoon (not that I need an excuse to enjoy seafood)!

Crispy, panko-breaded cod fillets baked to tasty perfection! 

Baking a breaded fish vs. dropping into a pan full of oil makes it a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s a foolproof option for anyone trying to add more seafood to their life, and it takes less than 30 minutes.

With such mild-tasting fish and fantastically delicious breading, it’s a great meal for the whole family, including those who are hesitant about fish.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

Good for Large Dinner Parties! Lots of dinner guests? It only adds a few minutes to your prep time to bread some extra fish.

Great Texture! Between the super crunchy outside and the tender, flaky inside this is a dynamite texture combination!

It’s Flavorful! For something as light as this, this Panko baked cod is packed full of flavor!

🥘 Ingredients

Most of these are pantry staples, but you’ll likely need to take a trip to the local seafood market for cod. You also may want to mix your own Cajun seasoning; it’s well worth it and really makes this dish special.

  • Cod - Look for something in roughly 5-ounce portions. You can substitute another mild-tasting white fish (orange roughy, pollock, walleye, etc.) for the cod. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the thickness of your fillets.Cajun Seasoning - My recipe contains garlic and onion powder, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, etc. and goes great with any type of meat or seafood. Salt - Any salt will work; use whatever you have on hand.Eggs - Get farm-fresh, free-range for the best quality.Panko Breadcrumbs - Panko gives the breading an even bigger crunch than traditional breadcrumbs.Parmesan Cheese - This salty Italian cheese has a bold taste that compliments lots of different dishes.Parsley - Parsley adds subtle flavor and a pop of color!Lemon - Use the zest for the fish and the juice for making drawn butter for the side!Butter - Either sweet cream or salted will work in this recipe.

📖 Variations

To change things up, try replacing the Cajun seasoning with one of the following:

  • Dried Basil. Lemon, basil, and Parmesan go great together. The basil will balance the saltiness of the cheese with a subtle sweetness. You’ll love it!Lemon Pepper and Garlic Powder. Maximize the lemon flavor with lemon pepper while adding a bit of spice! Garlic and lemon are very complementary, especially on fish.Cayenne Pepper and Chili Powder. If you like a little heat, try this combo! It’s full of both sweet and mild ground chilis, as well as things like cumin, oregano, and paprika. Garlic, Thyme, and Sweet Paprika. For a unique, sweet herbal mix, try this blend. Try using  smoked paprika instead of sweet for an intense smoky flavor.

You can also mix freshly chopped herbs in the breading. Try sage, rosemary, or basil.

🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions

No unusual equipment is needed for this straightforward fish dish. Just grab a bowl, a plate, and a baking sheet.

  • Preheat. Set your oven to 450℉ (232℃) and prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.Season the cod. Dry the 2 pounds of cod in portions by patting it with a paper towel. Then, in a small bowl, mix ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt and generously sprinkle it over the cod. If you’ve opted to buy your Cajun season from the store vs. make your own, don’t add salt. Store-bought brands already contain it.Prepare the breading. Start by beating 2 eggs in a bowl or shallow dish. In another dish, combine 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, and zest from 1 large lemon. Use a fork to mix in 1 tablespoon melted butter until all of the breadcrumbs are dampened.Coat the cod. Next, take a piece of cod and dip it into the beaten egg. Then, drag it through the breadcrumb mixture, being sure to coat all sides. Transfer it to your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the cod.Bake. Move the baking sheet to the middle rack of your oven and bake for 15 minutes. When finished, the fish should be flaky, and the internal temperature should be 145℉ (63℃). Serve. Remove from the oven when done and serve immediately.

This makes a delicious lunch or dinner. Serve with drawn butter or tartar sauce for dipping, and garnish with lemon slices, if desired.

Oven-baked panko cod dish is also fantastic with sauteed asparagus or roasted brussel sprouts. Air fryer garlic bread makes a delicious side and brings out and complements the featured flavors of the fish. Enjoy!

💭 Angela’s Tips & Recipe Notes

  • For an extra thick crust, double bread the cod. To make an even crunchier coating, repeat step 4 of the instructions. Egg and bread each piece of cod twice. You’ll get a thick, buttery crust with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, and parsley.To test for doneness, look for flakes. Using a fork in the thickest part of the fillet, pull off a piece of fish. It should come apart easily, and you should see flakes. You can also test for internal temperature using a thermometer probe. Don’t overcook it! Too long in the oven, and it will become dry and rubbery.Use fresh or frozen fish for this recipe. If you use frozen fillets, thaw them in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water in its packaging. The latter process takes about 15-20 minutes. There will be extra water on them one they’ve thawed, so be sure to dry them as completely as possible. Breading will stick better on dry fish and become much crunchier when cooked. Extra moisture causes steam that will make the breading mushy.When buying fish, especially if you don’t live anywhere near the sea, be conscious of where it comes from and how it’s been handled. In many grocery stores, the “fresh” fish you find has been previously frozen. Some frozen fish is flash frozen at its freshest point. This is not the case everywhere, but it’s worth looking into.

🐟 Other Great Fish Recipes

  • Grilled HaddockSalmon In White Wine SaucePan Seared SalmonBaked Salmon In Foil PacketsAir Fryer TilapiaLemon Butter Baked Cod

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 22 reviews

Panko Baked Cod

This easy panko baked cod is a tasty combination of tender cod fillets breaded with buttery Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and lemon zest! They’re incredibly quick, wonderfully tasty, and a versatile part of easy weeknight family meals!

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 servings Calories: 242kcal Prep 10 minutes Cooking 15 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 2 lbs cod (portioned into roughly 5 ounce sections)▢ ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning (see recipe or use your favorite brand)▢ ½ teaspoon salt▢ 2 large eggs (beaten)▢ 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs▢ 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese▢ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)▢ 1 large lemon (zested - save the lemon juice for making drawn butter to serve with your baked cod)▢ 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

InstructionsPreheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.Portion cod and pat dry with a paper towel, then combine seasoning (Cajun seasoning and salt - omit salt if using a store-bought brand) and sprinkle over cod.2 lbs cod, ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon saltIn a bowl or shallow dish add the beaten egg, in another combine the Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest. Add melted butter and stir to combine until all of the breadcrumb is coated.2 large eggs, 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 large lemon, 1 tablespoon butterDip each cod portion into the beaten egg first, then transfer into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. Place coated cod onto your prepared baking sheet.Place in the middle of the center rack of your oven and bake at 450°F (232°C) for 15 minutes, or until the internal the fish is flaky. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Serve with drawn butter or tartar sauce on the side for dipping if desired. NutritionCalories: 242kcal (12%) | Carbohydrates: 17g (6%) | Protein: 33g (66%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 128mg (43%) | Sodium: 474mg (21%) | Potassium: 743mg (21%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 2g (2%) | Vitamin A: 798IU (16%) | Vitamin C: 12mg (15%) | Calcium: 98mg (10%) | Iron: 2mg (11%) Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love! baked cod, oven baked, Panko Baked Cod, seafood Course Dinner Recipes, Main Dish, SeafoodCuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma’s kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love! bakeitwithlove.com/about/

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!

5 from 22 reviews

Panko Baked Cod

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 242kcal

Prep 10 minutes

Cooking 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 2 lbs cod (portioned into roughly 5 ounce sections)▢ ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning (see recipe or use your favorite brand)▢ ½ teaspoon salt▢ 2 large eggs (beaten)▢ 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs▢ 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese▢ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)▢ 1 large lemon (zested - save the lemon juice for making drawn butter to serve with your baked cod)▢ 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

InstructionsPreheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.Portion cod and pat dry with a paper towel, then combine seasoning (Cajun seasoning and salt - omit salt if using a store-bought brand) and sprinkle over cod.2 lbs cod, ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon saltIn a bowl or shallow dish add the beaten egg, in another combine the Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest. Add melted butter and stir to combine until all of the breadcrumb is coated.2 large eggs, 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 large lemon, 1 tablespoon butterDip each cod portion into the beaten egg first, then transfer into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. Place coated cod onto your prepared baking sheet.Place in the middle of the center rack of your oven and bake at 450°F (232°C) for 15 minutes, or until the internal the fish is flaky. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Serve with drawn butter or tartar sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal (12%) | Carbohydrates: 17g (6%) | Protein: 33g (66%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 128mg (43%) | Sodium: 474mg (21%) | Potassium: 743mg (21%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 2g (2%) | Vitamin A: 798IU (16%) | Vitamin C: 12mg (15%) | Calcium: 98mg (10%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

Course Dinner Recipes, Main Dish, SeafoodCuisine American

US CustomaryMetric