Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs fresh cod fillets
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the cod fillets extremely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy texture. Season the fillets on both sides with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
  3. Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, mix 0.25 cup all purpose flour, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 0.5 tsp garlic powder. In the second, whisk 2 tbsp melted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. In the third, combine 1 cup Panko, 0.5 cup Parmesan, 1 tbsp parsley, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  4. Dust each fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the top and sides into the butter mixture, then press firmly into the Panko Parmesan blend. Press the crumbs in with your palm to ensure they stick.
  5. Place the fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the topping is deeply golden and the fish flakes easily when pierced with a fork. If the top isn't as brown as you like, switch to the broiler for the final 60 seconds, but watch it like a hawk!