Crispy Air Fryer Cod is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish. The air fryer gives the cod a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky. Here’s a simple recipe to make crispy cod in an air fryer:
Crispy Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), thawed if frozen
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Cod Fillets:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better.
- Prepare Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl or plate, place the flour.
- In another bowl, beat the egg.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Cod:
- Dredge each cod fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the fillet into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the fillet with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook Cod:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the breaded cod fillets in the basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between the fillets for air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Spray the tops of the fillets lightly with cooking spray.
- Air Fry:
- Air fry the cod fillets at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the cod is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your specific air fryer model.
- Serve:
- Remove the cod from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute before serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Fillet Size: Ensure that the fillets are of uniform thickness for even cooking. If the fillets are particularly thick, you might need to adjust the cooking time.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. If necessary, cook the fillets in batches.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture. For instance, adding a bit of lemon zest or cayenne pepper can add extra flavor.
This crispy air fryer cod is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a light, crispy treat for any occasion!