How to Cook Panfish in the Oven

By: Fred Decker

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Panfish such as crappies, bluegills and yellow perch are much loved by anglers across most of the country for their bountiful numbers, excellent flavor and willingness to take almost any bait they're offered. They're also perfectly sized for the frying pan, which is why they're referred to collectively as panfish. Frying isn't mandatory, though, and panfish can also be cooked in the oven. Fillets should be cooked quickly at high heat, while whole fish can cook longer at moderate temperatures.

Fillets

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange your fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet, and spray or brush them lightly with oil or melted butter. Season with salt and pepper, your favorite spice blend or fresh herbs. Bake for eight to 10 minutes on the upper rack, until just done.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bread your fillets with seasoned breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs or fine cornmeal. Spray the breading with oil or pan spray to promote browning. Bake for eight to 12 minutes, turning once, until the breading is crisp and golden.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place each fillet on a sheet of parchment paper, approximately 12 to 14 inches square. Season it with salt and pepper; add a small piece of cold butter or a splash of white wine and herbs or other seasonings to taste. Roll up the edges of the parchment paper to make a sealed pouch, and bake for 20 minutes.

Whole Fish

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the panfish dry inside and out with clean paper towels. Season the belly cavity lightly with salt and pepper. Cut three slashes through the skin on the top side of the fish. Brush or spray the slashes with oil, and sprinkle them liberally with your favorite spice mixture. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until just done.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Simmer a quart of water with white wine, peppercorns, a bay leaf, a pinch of thyme and some onion. Strain out the flavorings. Arrange your panfish in a single layer in a casserole dish, and cover them with the flavored liquid. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes if the liquid is hot, or 25 to 30 minutes if it's cold.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the panfish fillets on a sheet or in a shallow baking dish. Brush them with melted butter, and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, brushing every five minutes with additional butter, until the fish are just done and the skin is crispy. If you wish, you can turn the fish midway through baking so the skin crisps on each side.