Air Fryer Cod
This easy Air Fryer Cod recipe delivers a golden, crispy crust with tender, flaky fish inside in under 20 minutes. Using minimal oil, it’s a healthier and hassle-free alternative to deep frying that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simple ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices come together to create a flavorful coating, while the air fryer ensures perfect texture with minimal cleanup. Customize with your favorite herbs or spices for a versatile seafood meal that’s delicious and quick to prepare.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed, about 6 ounces each)
Coating
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Olive oil spray or drizzle
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick and ensures crispiness. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and create a flavorful crunchy crust.
- Coat the Fillets: Lightly spray or brush each cod fillet with olive oil, then press them gently into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. This step is key to achieving a golden, crispy crust after air frying.
- Air Fry the Cod: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. The cod is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and serve hot. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to add a bright, zesty finish that complements the crispy, savory fish.
Notes
- Dry the fish well before coating to maximize crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for proper air circulation.
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure a crisp crust from the start.
- Use a light olive oil spray or drizzle; too much oil can make the coating soggy.
- Check the fish early for doneness as cooking times may vary with fillet thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: air fryer cod, crispy cod recipe, healthy fish recipe, quick seafood, panko cod, easy dinner, gluten free fish