Jump to Recipe
This crispy panko fish is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Use it for salads, sandwiches, or as a main dish!
Nothing brings you back to the joys of childhood quite like a chicken nugget or a crispy fish stick. Sometimes it’s the simple things that just hit the spot. This recipe for panko fish is one of those dishes you legitimately crave and brings back warm memories. Not only is it ridiculously versatile, but it’s also crazy easy to make and budget-friendly.
Getting Panko Breadcrumbs to Stick
There’s nothing worse than having your breadcrumbs fall right off the fish. To prevent making this common misstep, here are a few tips:
- Pat your fish dry. Make the surface area of the fish more sticky by patting the fillets down of any excess moisture.
- Dip the fish into the egg first. The whisked egg will act as a glue that holds the breadcrumbs to the fish.
- Gently press the fish into the breading. Apply a bit of pressure when dipping the fish into the breadcrumbs.
Kitchen Tool Tip: A long, thin fish spatula will prevent you from tearing off the breading when you flip the fish.
Preparing Crispy Panko Fish
Begin preparing crispy panko fish by combining the dry breading of parmesan cheese, flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- Whisk the Eggs: In another small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
- Slice the Fish: Next, slice the fish into chunks.
- Bread the Fish: First, dip a piece of fish in the egg mixture. Then, dunk it into the breadcrumbs. Repeat until all your fish are breaded.
- Fry the Fish: Preheat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the fish for 2 1/2 minutes per side (adjust depending on the thickness of the fillets). Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Panko Fish
A handful of pro tips will help you make the most irresistible panko fish.
- Use whichever white fish you like best. Cod or halibut are our favorites, but feel free to use tilapia, grouper, catfish, or snapper.
- Tweak the breading. Play around with different seasonings and herbs in the breading to fit with the dish you’re dreaming up. Garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, paprika, and chili powder are all great options.
- Use the right oil. Some oils are better than others when it comes to frying! See our awesome oil guide to get the 411 on cooking oils!
- Let the fish rest on a paper towel. To absorb excess grease that could turn the fish soggy, allow it to rest on a plate lined with paper towels before serving it.
Different Ways to Serve Panko Fish
Panko fish can be used in a million and one different ways. For classic fish and chips, serve it alongside air fryer french fries, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges. If you’re craving a fish sandwich, melt some American cheese on top of a couple of pieces of fish and sandwich them between a fluffy brioche bun. Or, keep it light by using the fish as a topper for a homemade caesar salad.
Storing & Reheating Panko Fish
Whether you have some leftovers to stow away or would like to freeze a batch for a rainy day, find all the best storage and reheating tips here.
- Refrigerator: To keep panko fish on hand for up to 3 days, store it in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent it from turning soggy.
- Freezer: Panko fish can be frozen raw or baked. To do so, assemble it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop the sheet in the freezer uncovered. Once the fish is completely frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month.
Reheating Tip: To reheat refrigerated or frozen panko fish, pop it in the oven or air fryer until crispy and cooked through.
FAQ
What is panko made out of?
Panko is made from crustless white bread that has been flaked and dried.
Is panko healthier than breadcrumbs?
Neither panko nor breadcrumbs are much healthier than one another. At the end of the day, both are made from bread.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs for crushed crackers, corn flakes, bread stuffing, or traditional breadcrumbs.
Can this fish be baked instead of fried?
If you’d prefer, bake the panko fish at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Of note, it’s better to bake the fish as whole fillets versus smaller pieces to help it retain more moisture.
Can you grill panko fish?
Grilling panko fish is not recommended, as the breading will burn over an open flame.
More Tasty Seafood Recipes
- 10 Minute Pan-Seared Butter Scallops – Butter and herb scallops
- Easy Baked Cod Recipe – Baked cod with veggies
- Fish Soup aka Ukha – Ukrainian salmon, rice, and potato soup
- Pan Fried Tilapia – An easy fish entree using tilapia + a simple seasoning blend.
- Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon Recipe – Sweet and salty salmon
Recipe
Crispy Panko Fish Recipe
Print Pin
Servings
6 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
This crispy panko fish will bring your right back to your childhood. Each bite is the perfect combo of flakey fish and crispy breading!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs white fish cod or halibut
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- oil for frying
US Units – Metric
Instructions
Combine parmesan, flour, panko bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
Slice the fish into big chunks. Dip the fish fillets into the egg mixture, followed by a dunk in the panko mixture.
Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Fry the fish for about 2 1/2 minutes per side or until it turns golden brown. Between each round of frying, remove the loose panko left behind in the oil.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Crispy Panko Fish Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 416 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Trans Fat 0.003g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 153mg51%
Sodium 860mg36%
Potassium 772mg22%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 56g112%
Vitamin A 188IU4%
Calcium 260mg26%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted October 25, 2022
About Author
CraigSep 12, 2023 The panko will fall off easily if you don’t dredge the fish in seasoned flour first. Then the egg, then the Panko. The flour glues it on pretty well.
Will WallaceDec 23, 2023 That is how I have always done it as well. Thanks Craig! Thanks Natalya!
Natalya DrozhzhinSep 13, 2023 Thanks for your feedback and suggestions Craig!
WanieJun 27, 2023 Hi, how many pieces of panko fish per serving? Thank you~
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 27, 2023 Hi Wanie, I'd say its around 2 pieces of fish per serving. If you cut the pieces smaller than I do (see the photos) then you may get closer to 3 pieces per serving. Hope you love the recipe!
LauriMay 15, 2023 I’m just learning to cook fish. Do you recommend buying the fish fresh from the meat department or frozen.
Do you recommend doing anything to the fish before cooking to get the “fishy taste” out.Pat WonacottJun 3, 2023 Soak the fish in milk for 20 minutes…a chemical reaction happens to rid the fishy taste and smell…pat dry then do the panko
casein allergyJan 11, 2024 wat aboot oatmilk
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 15, 2023 Hi Lauri, a lot of the times fresh fish at market would also be "previously frozen" unless you live close to fish towns. I think it depends on your preference, you can buy fresh or frozen. If you get frozen, you should thaw in the fridge. I dont have a trick with removing fishy taste, we try to buy in places where we know they sell good quality seafood.
Sherry MMar 19, 2023 I added 2 T of butter to the oil and double dipped/breaded the fish…. This recipe was terrific! Thanks so much! As good if not better than any fish sandwich you could buy!
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 20, 2023 Hi Sherry, I am thrilled that this recipe was a success! Thank you for sharing your process and feedback. Enjoy!!
StewJan 7, 2023 Makes a big difference if you’ll process the Panko in a food processor before using. A finer Panko makes a much better outer crust on anything. Good Eating!😁
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 8, 2023 Hey Stew, thats a great tip, thank you for sharing.
JohnNov 9, 2022 Excellent - used the air fryer and the cod came out wonderful!
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 9, 2022 Hi John, So glad to hear it! Enjoy!
JohnOct 29, 2022 Can this be done in the trusty old air fryer?
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 31, 2022 Hi John! I would say you absolutely can! Should you give it a try, I would love to know how it went!
johnNov 7, 2022 Cooked at 400 F for 5 minutes and flipped them and did another 5. Turned out nice and crispy but next time I will spritz them with oil so they'll get that nice brown color. Fantastic recipe, it was wonderful!
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 7, 2022 Hi John, So glad to hear it turned out well! Thank you for the feedback! Enjoy!
jessOct 25, 2022 I love the addition of parmesan cheese to this panko breading! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 25, 2022 Hi Jess, So glad this recipe was a hit! Thanks for the feedback. Enjoy!
KristynOct 25, 2022 Panko makes everything taste amazing!! It is perfect for this fish! It's crunchy & tasty!
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 25, 2022 Hi Kristyn, I agree with you! Thanks for the feedback. Enjoy!
Shana YOct 25, 2022 This was delicious and actually stayed crispy! My kids and husband all loved it too, thank you.
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 25, 2022 Hi Shana, So glad this recipe was a hit! Enjoy!
Dave PerraultApr 1, 2022 In my recipe I added a tablespoon of garlic powder, a tablespoon of paprika, 3/4 tablespoon of cayenne pepper as well as a tablespoon of seasoning salt. As Emeril would say I kicked it up a notch and it is terrific. A few drops of lemon at the table and your off to the races.
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 1, 2022 That sounds amazing, Dave! I love when people add their own twist to recipes to suit your taste. Thanks for commenting!
JamieApr 18, 2021 I also added dill, accidentally dumped in a buttload of dill to the panko crumb mix but it turned out great with that little extra flavor. Fish was crispy and quick.
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 19, 2021 Haha, I'm glad it worked out well in the end with the "buttload of dill". Thank you for your feedback, Jamie!
tanush mJan 28, 2014 super fast and easy!! perfect dish for a full time mommy!! definitely a keeper, thanks!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 28, 2014 Yes, for sure! And it's pretty healthy too 🙂
Diana GaidarjiJan 23, 2014 Just had this fish for lunch... My husband and I really enjoyed it... but I also added finely chopped almonds to the crumbs mixture... thank you for the recipe... 🙂
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 23, 2014 Hi Diana, oh, interesting! I will have to try the almond thing next time.
LilyJan 23, 2014 Can I use tilapia?
AnnaHannaJan 23, 2014 Hello Lily I just made it with tilapia, it really GOOD=)
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 23, 2014 Yes, I didn't think of that one 🙂 any white fish works good with this recipe .
AnnaHannaJan 23, 2014 I love fish going to try this friday. Thank you =)
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 23, 2014 Hey! That is a good way to wrap up the week 🙂
AnnaHannaJan 23, 2014 lol you know what, I just made them lol can wait till friday. I usually season the fish dip in the flower and then in the egg. I do it like my mom does. Your recipe is really good too my husband love's it. Thank you. =)
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 23, 2014 Hey, well that works 🙂 I have heard of that method but usually when we did that it wasn't crispy enough. Well for it it wasn't 😉
