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Crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible, these Parmesan Baked Fish Nuggets are a kid-friendly favorite that adults love, too! Forget the frozen fish sticks from the store, because this homemade version is fresh, flavorful, and baked (not fried) for a healthier twist. With golden panko breadcrumbs and savory Parmesan, these nuggets pack a satisfying crunch while keeping the fish tender and juicy inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners, after-school snacks, or game-day bites, this recipe turns mild, flaky cod into a meal your family will request again and again.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cod (fresh or frozen), cut into 1½–2-inch nuggets
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Cooking spray

Instructions for Parmesan Baked Fish Nuggets

1. Prep and Preheat
   Heat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Top it with a wire rack and coat lightly with cooking spray. This makes sure your nuggets bake evenly and stay crispy all over.
   
   
2. Toast for Extra Crunch
   Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a thin layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, just until they’re golden and fragrant. This quick step makes all the difference for a perfectly crunchy coating! Transfer toasted panko to a shallow dish, then mix in Parmesan cheese and salt. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss until evenly coated.
   
   
3. Set Up Your Dredging Station
   Place flour in one shallow bowl, eggs in another, and your panko-Parmesan mixture in a third. Pat the fish nuggets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick.
   
   
4. Coat the Nuggets
   Working in small batches, dredge the fish nuggets in flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip them into the beaten eggs, then press gently into the panko mixture to coat all sides. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer on the prepared wire rack.
   
   
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
   Bake for about 15 minutes, turning the nuggets halfway through to ensure even browning. When done, the coating should be crisp and the fish should flake easily with a fork.

Serve and Enjoy

Pair these nuggets with your kids’ favorite dipping sauces like classic ketchup, ranch, honey mustard, or even a tangy marinara for an Italian twist. Want to take it up a notch? Serve alongside sweet potato fries or a simple side salad for a complete, family-friendly meal. With this recipe, you’ll never look at frozen fish sticks the same way again. Fresh, wholesome, and oh-so-delicious, these Parmesan Baked Fish Nuggets prove that seafood night can be stress-free—and loved by everyone at the table.

Pro Tip: Start with the freshest cod for the best flavor. Order fresh seafood from Wholey, and have it delivered straight to your door for easy, flavorful meals anytime!