The Easiest Oven Baked Fish Recipe (Perfectly Juicy)

Whenever I want something quick but really tasty, this oven baked fish is the first thing I make. It’s light, high in protein and perfect when you want something healthy. The lemon slices underneath keep the fish juicy without needing sauces or extra steps. I usually serve baked fish recipes with my Creamy Rice with Garlic & Parmesan when I want an easy dinner sorted fast.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Fresh: Baking the fish over lemon slices gently infuses citrus while keeping the taste super light and balanced. This oven baked fish honestly pairs perfectly with Parmentier Potatoes.
• No-fail: The lemon layer prevents sticking and softens the heat underneath the fish, helping reduce the risk of overcooking, which is where most people go wrong when learning how to cook fish.
• Adaptable: This baked fish method works with basically any white fish you have available, so you don’t need to shop for anything specific. If you have haddock left after making my Creamy Smoked Haddock Recipe for example, you can use it here too!

If you’re craving more seafood dishes, consider making Quick & Easy Boom Boom Shrimp, Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwich, or Fish Risotto (Haddock and Leek Risotto).

Ingredients

A few easy ingredients are all you need for the perfect baked fish.

• White fish: Lean white fish cooks so quickly and absorbs seasoning beautifully, which makes it perfect for high-heat baking. This baked fish recipe works with cod, basa, haddock, hake, tilapia, or basically any firm white fish fillet. If you go for cod, you can try this Perfect Pan Fried Cod Recipe too.
• Lemons: Lemon slices act as a natural roasting rack, lifting the fish slightly off the tray so it cooks gently and doesn’t stick. This is a great trick when learning how to bake fish.
• Fish seasoning: A balanced seasoning blend adds flavour without overpowering the fish’s delicate texture. You can use a store-bought mix or my suggested homemade blend to control spice levels.

See the recipe card for full information on all ingredients and quantities.

Variations/ Adaptations

• Mediterranean style: Add sliced cherry tomatoes and olives around the fish before baking for extra savoury flavour. This variation pairs really nicely with sides like my Simple Tricolore Salad.
• Spicy version: Add chilli flakes or smoked paprika to the baked fish seasoning for gentle heat that balances the lemon. If you like bold flavours, my Nando’s Spicy Rice is a great option.
• Herb upgrade: Swap parsley for dill, basil, or coriander depending on what you have available. Fresh herbs always keep easy fish recipes like this light & vibrant.

How to make Easy Oven Baked Fish

Step 1: Pat the fish fillets completely dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Coat the fillets thoroughly on both sides with the fish seasoning.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line the bottom of a large baking dish with the lemon rounds.

Step 4: Place the seasoned fish fillets directly on top of the lemon slices.

Step 5: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the fish to coat them.

Step 6: Bake for 15-25 minutes (until fish reaches 145°F/63°C). Top with fresh parsley and black pepper to serve.

If you enjoy quick dinners, try Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade with Lemon and Shallot, Extra Crispy Pork Cutlet, or Tender Pepper Steak Recipe.

Why Baked Fish Often Turns Out Dry (And How This Method Fixes It)

Fish cooks differently from meat because it has very little connective tissue, meaning it goes from perfectly cooked to overdone in just a few minutes. Many oven baked fish recipes fail because the fillet is exposed directly to hot metal or cooked too long without protection.

Thickness matters more than weight when baking fish, which is why timing can feel inconsistent from one fillet to another. The lemon-bed method helps buffer direct heat underneath the fish while adding a bit of steam, giving you a wider margin for error and more reliable results.

Cooking at a slightly higher temperature also helps the fish cook quickly before moisture escapes. Combined with checking early and cooking to temperature, this method keeps the fish tender & flaky instead of dry.

How Long to Bake Fish at 400°F (By Thickness)

Cooking time depends more on thickness than weight, which is why baked fish sometimes turns out dry or undercooked. Use this timing guide: 

• ½ inch (1.25 cm): 10-15 minutes
• 1 inch (2.5 cm): 15-20 minutes
• 1½ inches (4 cm): 20-25 minutes

Start checking early as fish is done faster than most people expect.

The safest indicator is an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), but visually the fish should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Once your baked fish is ready, it works with almost anything thanks to its clean flavour and simple seasoning. Pair it with grains, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads depending on the occasion.

Try it with:

• Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli
• Super Crispy Ninja Airfryer Roast Potatoes
• Easy Boursin Cheese Pasta
• Panzanella Salad with Halloumi
• Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
• Halloumi Caesar Salad

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the baked fish to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months for best texture.

Reheat: Warm in a low oven or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water or lemon juice to keep it moist.

Recipe FAQs

If you’re planning a full meal around this dish, try serving it alongside Crispiest Diced Potatoes in Air Fryer, Easy Rice With Chicken Broth and Butter, or The CRISPIEST Roast Potatoes.