Description
Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Cod is the perfect quick dinner for seafood lovers craving a crunchy golden coating with tender, juicy fish inside. This easy air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-style texture without deep frying, making it a healthier and faster option for busy weeknights, easy dinner ideas, healthy family meals, and comforting seafood recipes.
The cod fillets are coated in a seasoned Parmesan panko crust, then air fried until perfectly crisp and flaky. Serve this easy recipe with fries, vegetables, salads, or rice for a satisfying meal packed with flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon cooking spray
1 lemon cut into wedges
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and cayenne pepper.
2. Prepare three bowls by placing flour in the first bowl, whisked eggs with water in the second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in the third bowl.
3. Coat each cod fillet lightly in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
4. Let the breaded cod rest for 5 minutes to help the coating stick during cooking.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
6. Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
7. Lightly spray the tops of the breaded fish with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
8. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crispy.
9. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F and that the fish flakes easily with a fork.
10. Remove from the air fryer and let the cod rest for 2 minutes before serving.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture.
Pat the cod completely dry before breading to help the coating stick properly.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the fish may become soggy instead of crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: air fryer cod, crispy cod, flaky cod recipe, easy seafood dinner, healthy air fryer fish, quick dinner ideas, crunchy fish recipe