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A close-up of crispy baked cod fillets with a golden panko crust and fresh parsley, served on a baking sheet with lemon slices.

Crispy Baked Haddock

Achieve perfectly flaky haddock with an irresistibly crispy, golden crust, all baked to perfection in your oven. This simple recipe delivers maximum flavor and texture with minimal effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 fillets
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Haddock
  • 2 fillets Haddock (about 6 oz / 170g each), fresh or thawed, skinless, boneless
For the Crispy Coating
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Dried Dill (optional, or dried parsley)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt , or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper , freshly ground, or to taste
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or melted unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
For Serving (Optional)
  • 1 Lemon , cut into wedges
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley , chopped

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Shallow Dish or Pie Plate
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

Prepare for Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Lightly spray or brush the parchment paper with a tiny bit of olive oil.
  2. Pat the haddock fillets very dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a crispy coating, as excess moisture can make the fish steam rather than crisp.
Prepare the Coating
  1. In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  2. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or melted butter) and Dijon mustard until well combined. This mixture will act as the binding agent for your crispy coating.
Coat and Bake
  1. One by one, brush each side of a haddock fillet generously with the olive oil and Dijon mixture. Then, place the fillet into the Panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres firmly to all sides. Repeat with the second fillet.
  2. Carefully transfer the coated haddock fillets to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork, and the Panko coating is deeply golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley, if desired. This Crispy Baked Haddock pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can broil the haddock for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. Ensure your haddock is completely thawed and very dry before coating for the best results. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the crispiness may diminish.