Description
This Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Cod features a golden, crunchy breadcrumb coating with tender, moist cod inside. It’s a quick, lighter alternative to fried fish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound cod fillets, patted dry
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray, as needed
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and trim them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Season both sides of the cod with a little salt and black pepper.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten egg in a second bowl, and combine the panko, plain breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, remaining salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
- Dredge each fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured fillets into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off.
- Press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.
- Arrange the breaded fillets in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired, until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork or reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the fillets rest for 1 minute before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
Thaw frozen cod completely and pat it very dry before breading.
For extra flavor, mix grated Parmesan or Cajun seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze cooked fillets for up to 2 months.
Serve with tartar sauce, lemon aioli, roasted vegetables, fries, or coleslaw.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
