Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Breaded Cod

9 months ago 31

Air fryer breaded cod is a crispy seafood dish without the guilt and the answer to all your fried fish prayers. With the help of your trusty air fryer and a few simple ingredients, enjoy a golden and crunchy...

Air fryer breaded cod is a crispy seafood dish without the guilt and the answer to all your fried fish prayers. With the help of your trusty air fryer and a few simple ingredients, enjoy a golden and crunchy exterior with perfectly tender and flaky cod within.

I love cooking cod fillets in the air fryer. I�m obsessed with the crispy texture, and the perfectly cooked flesh. But let me tell you, if you haven't tried breaded cod in the air fryer yet, you're missing out on a game-changing experience.�

The crust of golden-brown breadcrumbs takes the texture to a whole new level, adding an extra crunch that elevates the dish beyond your wildest expectations. I love that is it a healthier alternative to the traditional British dish of fish and chips, and it also brings back fond memories of seaside vacations and cozy fish and chip shops.

I mean, who wants to deal with a stinky kitchen and a greasy stovetop when you can just pop a piece of fish in the air fryer and have it come out like a gourmet meal? No need for extra oil or butter, just let the air fryer work its magic. Trust me, once you start cooking fish in the air fryer, you'll never want to cook it any other way again.

This panko-crusted cod dish is not only a healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried options but also easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Please refer to the recipe card below for all the necessary ingredients and nutrition information to ensure you are getting the most out of this meal. Gather the following ingredients for breaded cod fish

Two cod fillets (thawed, if using frozen), a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, and a seasoning of choice. I used Old Bay seasoning. I love how its unique blend of herbs and spices adds a delightful zest to the cod, enhancing its natural flavors. Prepare All-purpose flour, whisked egg, and Panko for the breading station. Please see picture below.

How to Make Breaded Cod Fish in the Air Fryer

Choose & Prep Your Cod Fillets. Choose high-quality fish. Look for fillets that are firm, fresh, and have a light, clean scent. If your cod is frozen, allow the fish to defrost evenly, which is essential for cooking it correctly. If you skip thawing, your fish could be dry and chewy in some spots while still frozen in others. Worse yet, if you try to cook it from frozen, you risk undercooking the interior while overcooking the outside.

Season. Pat your fillets dry with paper towels and season them. I prefer to keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I love how paprika adds a smoky flavor to the fish that enhances its aroma. You can also try it with Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning. I also love to season cod with a mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley. This can be added to the fish before or after it's been cooked. If you�re looking to add a bit of heat, red pepper flakes or chili powder can be excellent options.

Coat & Bread Your Cod Fillets. Once your cod fillets are seasoned, it�s time to coat them! Start by lightly dusting your fish with all-purpose flour. (Please see picture below) Then, dip each fillet in whisked eggs. Finally, coat the fillets generously in Panko breadcrumbs, making sure to press the breadcrumbs into the fish gently. This three-step breading method keeps the fish moist while creating a delicate crust that cooks up crispy in the air fryer.

Air Fry Your Cod Fillets. Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200�C). Then, place your breaded cod fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don�t touch. Gently spritz each fillet with spray oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes (depending on the thickness), flipping halfway, until the cod fillets are golden brown, crispy, and flaky on the inside. When the cod fillets� internal temperature reaches 145F, they�re ready to enjoy!

How long to cook breaded fish in the air fryer?

It typically takes around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. However, keep an eye on the fish to ensure that you don't overcook it. Overcooked cod can lead to a tough and dry texture, which can ruin the dish's overall flavor and presentation. Make sure to check the fish and adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the thickness and size of the fish. My cod fillets are about 1 inch in the thickest part. I cooked it for 5 minutes per side for a total of 10 minutes.

Serve

Once your air fryer breaded cod fillets are cooked and crispy, it�s time to serve them up! Pair them with a side of tartar sauce, or Spicy Chipotle sauce for a touch of tang and heat.�

Enjoy your fish fillets with the classic pairing of Air Fryer French fries. For a light and refreshing side dish, I love a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For heartier, I serve it with roasted vegetables such as Air fryer Peppers and Mushrooms. Air fryer Zucchini or sweet potatoes will add a deliciously savory touch to your meal.�

Garnish your cod with lemon wedges. I love how their tangy flavor balances the mild flavor of the fish. Lemon also gives the dish an extra element of freshness, making it more appealing to the palate.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cod Fillets

To make sure your air fryer breaded cod fillets come out perfectly every time, follow these tips: Don�t crowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat the air fryer before adding the breaded cod fillets. Lightly spritz each side of the breaded fish with oil spray. Flip the cod fillets halfway through the cooking process for even browning. Let the air fryer cool down before cleaning it.

May I recommend other Seafood favorites in the Air fryer?

Air Fryer Scallops Crispy Air fryer fried shrimp Best Damn Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Salmon

Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Breaded Cod

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer cod

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 310kcal

Author DailyYum.com

Ingredients

2 cod fillets about 1-inch thick. Thawed, if using frozen� teaspoon Salt to taste� teaspoon Pepper to taste1 Teaspoon Seasoning I used Old Bay seasoning. You can also try it with lemon pepper seasoning, or cajun spice.

For breading Cod

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs or you can use regular breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned� cup all-purpose flour1 egg whisked1 tablespoon seasoning Combine � teaspoon garlic powder, � teaspoon paprika, salt & pepper to taste and mix it with Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Prep cod fillets: Pat your fillets dry with paper towels and season them. I prefer to keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I love how paprika adds a smoky flavor to the fish that enhances its aroma. You can also try it with Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning. I also love to season cod with a mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley. This can be added to the fish before or after it's been cooked. If you�re looking to add a bit of heat, red pepper flakes or chili powder can be excellent options.

Coat & Bread Your Cod Fillets. Once your cod fillets are seasoned, it�s time to coat them! Start by lightly dusting your fish with all-purpose flour. Then, dip each fillet in whisked eggs. Finally, coat the fillets generously in Panko breadcrumbs, making sure to press the breadcrumbs into the fish gently. This three-step breading method keeps the fish moist while creating a delicate crust that cooks up crispy in the air fryer.

Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200�C). Then, place your breaded cod fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don�t touch. Gently spritz each fillet with spray oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes (depending on the thickness), flipping halfway, until the cod fillets are golden brown, crispy, and flaky on the inside. When the cod fillets� internal temperature reaches 145F, they�re ready to enjoy!

How long to cook breaded fish in the air fryer? It typically takes around 8 to12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. However, keep an eye on the fish to ensure that you don't overcook it. Overcooked cod can lead to a tough and dry texture, which can ruin the dish's overall flavor and presentation. Make sure to check the fish and adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the thickness and size of the fish. My cod fillets are about 1 inch in the thickest part. I cooked it 5 minutes per side for a total of 10 minutes.

Notes

TIPS: Pay attention to these expert suggestions to ensure your cod fillets emerge from the air fryer with optimal taste and texture. If cooking frozen cod in the air fryer, please make sure it is thawed. First, avoid using hot water. Sure, it may seem like a quick fix, but trust me, we�re going to air fry cod, not start the cooking process in hot water. Instead, pop the frozen cod in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.� Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing for better browning. Preheat your air fryer to 400�F (200�C) before placing the cod inside. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. Flip the cod halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning on both sides. Make sure your cod fillets are the same thickness. This ensures even cooking and not over-drying the thinner cod fillet. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod. It should reach 145�F (63�C) for safe consumption. Serve the Air Fryer Cod immediately to enjoy its optimal taste and texture.