Baked Cod with Crispy Panko

Baked parmesan panko cod on a white plate with green beans

5 from 3 votes

Baked Panko Crusted Cod is flaky and tender with a flavorful, crispy topping made with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and zesty seasonings. A quick and easy 15-minute dinner recipe, a perfect healthy meal for busy weeknights or casual weekend entertaining.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 302kcal

Author: Cara Lanz

Ingredients

1 ½ to 2 pounds cod fillets 4 pieces, fresh or frozen (thawed)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
½ to 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to taste
6 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon lemon zest zest of one lemon
3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan
1 ½ tablespoons melted butter
lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425.
Place a wire baking rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
If you don't have a rack, line the baking sheet with parchment or foil sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
Pat the fish dry with paper towels.
Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper and place the fish on the rack.
Stir the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together. Brush a thin layer of the mayonnaise mixture on top of each piece of cod.
In a small bowl, combine the panko, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
Place 2 heaping tablespoons of the panko mixture on top of each piece of fish. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the mayonnaise coating.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees.
Actual cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Choose fish fillets that are of similar thickness so they'll all cook at the same rate.
Pat the fish very dry with paper towels. Especially if you're using frozen fish. This will help keep the bread crumbs from getting soggy.
Baking the panko crusted cod on a wire baking rack allows the air to circulate under the fish and prevents it from being watery.

Nutrition