1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that perfect crispiness when cooked.
3. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the cod fillets to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Be gentle when flipping to keep the fillets intact.
6. Transfer the fillets to the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle with lemon zest.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Remember, the key here is to keep it simple and focus on the flavors. If you’re like me and juggling kids and dinner, this recipe is forgiving and won’t mind if you have to step away for a moment.