Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe with a Golden Panko Crust

Getting that perfect, irresistible crunch on your Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe isn’t just luck; it’s a few simple tricks I’ve learned over the years. These tips will help you achieve a truly golden, flaky result every time.

Patting Dry: Always, always pat your haddock fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels before breading. This is crucial for the coating to adhere properly and ensures maximum crispiness.

My Secret Trick: My secret trick is to lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan for a few minutes before coating the fish. It deepens their flavor and helps them get even crispier in the oven, giving your Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe an extra golden hue!

Don’t Overcrowd: When placing the breaded haddock on your baking sheet, make sure to give each piece a little breathing room. Overcrowding can steam the fish instead of crisping it, which we definitely want to avoid for this delicious Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe.

Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature. A hot oven is key to achieving that immediate crisp exterior and cooking the fish evenly and quickly.

Fun Variations for Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe

One of the greatest joys of baking and cooking is the freedom to play and make a recipe truly your own! This Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity.

Herbaceous Twists

Instead of just dried dill, try adding a mix of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley and chives to your panko breadcrumbs. My sister always asks me to add a little fresh thyme to her portion – it truly brightens the flavor of the Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe!

Spicy Kick

If you love a bit of heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the breading mixture, or even add a pinch of smoked chipotle powder for a deeper, spicier note. A friend loves when I sprinkle a little extra red pepper flakes on top just before baking.

Citrus Zest

For an even brighter flavor, grate some lemon or orange zest into your panko mixture. This adds a lovely fragrant note that complements the fish beautifully and elevates the entire Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe.

Cheesy Goodness

For a fun, kid-friendly variation, you can mix a couple of tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs. It adds a delicious savory, umami flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Crispy Baked Haddock

Achieve perfectly flaky, golden-brown haddock with a wonderfully crispy Panko coating, all baked to perfection in your oven. This simple yet satisfying recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 fillets Haddock about 6 oz each (1.5 lbs total), patted very dry with paper towels
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 tbsp Milk or water
• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Dried dill optional
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper optional, for a subtle kick
• 1/4 cup Olive oil or 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1 Lemon cut into wedges, for serving
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Shallow Dishes
• Whisk
• Tongs or Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you have an oven-safe wire rack, place it on top of the parchment-lined baking sheet to allow for crispier bottoms.
2. Pat the haddock fillets very dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
4. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
5. In a third shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried dill (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
6. Take one haddock fillet at a time. First, dredge it thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
7. Next, dip the floured fillet into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then let any excess egg drip off.
8. Finally, press the fillet firmly into the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Gently pat the breadcrumbs onto the fish to help them adhere.
9. Place the breaded haddock fillets on the prepared baking sheet (or on the wire rack). Drizzle or lightly spray each fillet with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or brush with melted butter) on both sides. This helps with browning and crispiness.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flaky when tested with a fork, and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
11. Remove from oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

For extra crispy results, place the breaded fish on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the fillets, preventing sogginess on the bottom. You can prepare the breaded fish up to 30 minutes in advance and keep it in the refrigerator before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the crispiness will diminish. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best results.

What to Serve With Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe

When it comes to serving this delightful Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe, I love thinking about fresh, vibrant sides that complement its crispy texture and delicate flavor. It’s all about creating a balanced and utterly satisfying meal.

I often serve this Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe with a bright, zesty lemon-dill aioli for dipping; it’s incredibly easy to whisk together and adds a burst of freshness. My mom always pairs it with a simple side of roasted asparagus or green beans, lightly tossed with garlic and olive oil – the flavors marry beautifully. For a heartier option, some fluffy wild rice pilaf or even a quick batch of homemade coleslaw would be absolutely perfect. Don’t forget an extra lemon wedge or two for squeezing!

How to Store Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe

Ensuring your delicious Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe stays fresh is key for enjoying those wonderful flavors again! With a little care, you can preserve its crispiness and taste.

Fridge Storage

To store any leftover Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place the fillets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. I like storing fish in shallow containers to prevent it from getting soggy.

Reheating for Crispiness

To bring back that lovely crisp texture, I always recommend reheating the Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe in a preheated oven or an air fryer. Pop the fillets into a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. A light dusting of fresh parsley after reheating brings it back to life and makes it look freshly made! Avoid the microwave, as it will make the crust soft.

Nutritional Benefits

This Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe offers a wonderfully balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Haddock is an excellent source of lean protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for heart health. Combined with the wholesome goodness of a crispy panko crust, it’s a treat that combines indulgence with simple, beneficial ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use a different type of fish for this Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe?
Absolutely! While haddock is wonderful, you can easily substitute other firm white fish like cod, pollock, or tilapia. Adjust baking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets to ensure your Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe is perfectly cooked.

Faq 2

How do I prevent the panko from falling off during baking?
The key is to pat the fish very dry before breading and ensure each layer (flour, egg, panko) adheres well. Press the panko firmly onto the fish. This will help your Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe hold its delightful coating.

Faq 3

Can I make this Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The process for making this delicious Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe remains exactly the same.

Faq 4

What’s the best way to ensure the fish is cooked through but not dry?
Cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, typically around 18 minutes for average-sized fillets. An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of your Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends – a truly enchanting Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe that brings together flavor, texture, and the warmth of a homemade meal. It’s my heartfelt hope that this recipe inspires you to create your own sweet memories in the kitchen, proving that with a little love and a golden panko crust, even the simplest ingredients can become a magical centerpiece. So go on, gather your ingredients, embrace the joy, and let this delightful Crispy Baked Haddock Recipe fill your home with delicious aromas and happy smiles!