1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Cod

• Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Drizzle the cod with olive oil and rub it evenly over each fillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Topping

• In a mixing bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, paprika, and lemon zest. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a crumbly topping.

4. Apply the Topping

• Generously spoon the garlic Parmesan mixture over each cod fillet, pressing gently to adhere the topping. Ensure the fillets are fully covered with an even layer.

5. Bake the Cod

• Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should be opaque and flaky, and the topping golden and crisp. If needed, broil for 1–2 minutes to enhance the crust’s color and texture.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the cod from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.