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Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer Cod
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This Air Fryer Cod recipe delivers golden, flaky, and irresistibly crispy fish with minimal oil and effort. Ready in under 20 minutes, it features a crunchy panko and Parmesan coating that locks in moisture, making each bite fresh and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend treat, it offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying while allowing easy customization with herbs and spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Coating

  • 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed, about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat your cod fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and ensures maximum crispiness.
  2. Make the Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful and crunchy breading blend.
  3. Coat the Fish: Lightly brush each cod fillet with olive oil or dip them in beaten egg if using, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to form an even, secure coating that won’t fall off during cooking.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure the coating starts crisping immediately when placed inside.
  5. Air Fry the Cod: Arrange the breaded cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Notes

  • Pat Dry is Key: Always dry your cod before coating to prevent sogginess and improve crisping.
  • Single Layer Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
  • Flip Midway: Turn the fillets halfway through the cooking time to get a uniform golden crust.
  • Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh, dry panko breadcrumbs yield the best crunch.
  • Don’t Skip Preheating: Preheating the air fryer helps lock moisture and crisp the coating faster.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, cod, crispy fish, quick dinner, healthy seafood, panko crust

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/air-fryer-cod/