Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking and a crispy crust.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, the zest and juice of 1 lemon to create the marinade.

Place the 4 pompano fillets on the prepared baking sheet, brush each fillet generously with the marinade, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Remove the fish from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 1 minute to allow juices to redistribute.

Garnish the pompano with chopped fresh parsley and an optional splash of white wine for extra flavor.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy your flavorful baked pompano.