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Golden-brown Baked Cod fillets on a baking sheet, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust and served with fresh lemon slices.

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 380

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.