Crispy Skin Baked Cod (Printable)

Tender cod fillets baked to crisp skin, brightened by lemon and fresh herbs for an elegant main course.

# Ingredient List:

01 - 4 skin-on cod fillets (5.3–6.3 oz each), patted dry

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

03 - 1 teaspoon sea salt

04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

06 - 2 lemons (1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced into rounds)

07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

02 - Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.

03 - Rub both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then season the flesh side with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.

04 - Place cod fillets skin-side up on the prepared tray and gently press to ensure contact with the surface.

05 - Sprinkle minced garlic and lemon zest evenly over fillets.

06 - Arrange lemon slices around fillets and drizzle with half the lemon juice.

07 - Bake for 12–15 minutes until cod is opaque and skin is golden and crisp. Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.

08 - Remove from oven, drizzle with remaining lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

01 -

This fish cooks quickly but feels special, like I'm sharing a little secret for restaurant-quality cod at home
The bright lemon and fresh herbs turn a simple dinner into something I keep coming back for

02 -

Patting the fillets completely dry was the secret I wish someone told me earlier; wet skin just won't crisp
Preheating the baking tray makes the skin sizzle when the fish hits it, upping the crisp factor dramatically

03 -

Use a fish spatula to carefully lift the cod so the skin stays intact and crispy
The lemon juice added after baking brings a fresh brightness that makes the whole dish sing