How Long to Cook Baked Cod Fillets (1-inch Thick) in the sheet pan
Specification: 4 × 6 oz cod loin fillets about 1 inch thick, patted dry, brushed with olive oil, salted, placed on a parchment-lined sheet pan with an inch of space between fillets
3-Step Execution Protocol
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange baked cod fillets (1-inch thick) (4 × 6 oz cod loin fillets about 1 inch thick, patted dry, brushed with olive oil, salted, placed on a parchment-lined sheet pan with an inch of space between fillets) on a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer.
Cook for 12–15 mins. Do not flip; allow surface to develop undisturbed.
Fillet has turned fully opaque white with no translucent streak in the center, flakes cleanly along its natural seams when nudged with a fork, and a thin layer of white albumin has just begun to bead on the surface — that bead is the visual cue that you are already at target. Confirm internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
USDA FSIS Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures chart lists 145°F for fin fish. The 12–15 minute window at 400°F reflects standard sheet-pan baking practice for 1-inch cod loin fillets; thinner tail-end pieces finish in 8–10 minutes and thick center loins may need 16–18.