Name: Air Fryer Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cod filets; Salt (to taste); Ground black pepper (to taste); ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup plain panko bread crumbs; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Olive oil spray

If you love seafood that’s flaky, flavorful, and crispy without a cloud of heavy oil, this Air Fryer Cod Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Using a simple breading technique combined with the magic of the air fryer, this dish delivers perfectly cooked cod filets that are golden brown on the outside while tender and juicy inside. Whether you’re craving a light weeknight dinner or impressing friends with minimal effort, this Air Fryer Cod Recipe makes the whole process easy, quick, and downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate with a thin black rim shows four pieces of uncooked white fish fillets neatly arranged across the plate. The fish has a smooth, slightly translucent texture with light seasoning of black pepper sprinkled evenly on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building texture and flavor, resulting in an irresistible coating around flaky cod. You’ll see that the list is delightfully straightforward but carefully balanced to create a crunchy, cheesy crust with just the right hint of seasoning.

Cod filets, 1 pound: Choose fresh or thawed thick cut filets for best texture and moisture.
Salt (to taste): Enhances the natural flavor of the fish and seasoning.
Ground black pepper (to taste): Adds just a touch of warmth and subtle bite.
All-purpose flour, ½ cup: Essential for the initial coating that helps the egg mixture stick.
Large eggs, 2: Binds the bread crumbs to the fish, ensuring a crunchy finish.
Salt, ½ teaspoon: Mixed into eggs for balanced seasoning throughout the coating.
Plain panko bread crumbs, 1 cup: Creates the signature light, crispy crust without excess oil.
Grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup: Introduces a savory, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cod.
Old Bay seasoning, 2 teaspoons: Adds a classic seafood spice blend that brightens every bite.
Garlic powder, ½ teaspoon: Invokes depth and warmth to the crunchy coating.
Olive oil spray: Helps crisp the crust in the air fryer while keeping the fish moist.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Step 1: Season the Cod

Start by seasoning the cod filets evenly with salt and ground black pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning preps the fish to enhance its natural flavors before it gets coated.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Create three bowls to assemble the breading station: the first with the all-purpose flour, the second with whisked eggs and salt, and the third with the panko crumbs combined with parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. This setup will keep the process smooth and mess-free.

Step 3: Coat the Cod

Take each cod filet and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it fully into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Finally, roll the fish in the panko mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks evenly over every bit of the filet. The parmesan and spices in your breading will give the crust irresistible flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with a thin layer of olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded cod filets in a single layer, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. Cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip each filet and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit and the crust is golden brown. This technique ensures your cod is juicy inside with a crispy outside.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cod Recipe

The image shows three pieces of breaded fish placed inside a black air fryer basket. Each piece is covered in a golden-brown crumb coating with a rough texture. The basket has a black bottom with small holes and slots for airflow. The air fryer is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Air Fryer Cod Recipe, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders. The fresh herbs add vibrant color and brightness, while lemon juice cuts through the richness and adds a zesty pop that complements the Old Bay seasoning beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, garlic roasted asparagus, or fluffy mashed potatoes. For a slightly indulgent touch, try tartar sauce or a cool cucumber yogurt dip on the side. These accompaniments balance the crispy cod and make for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve your cod filets over a bed of quinoa or couscous, garnished with microgreens and edible flowers. Or, for a casual vibe, stack the crispy filets in warm tortillas topped with slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a quick cod taco. The options are endless and all delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to two days, keeping their texture and flavor surprisingly well.

Freezing

While freezing cooked Air Fryer Cod Recipe isn’t ideal because the crispiness may diminish, you can freeze the raw breaded filets on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to one month. Air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To revive that crisp exterior and maintain moist fish, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to make the crust soggy and the fish rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this Air Fryer Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod fully and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before breading. This will help the coating stick better and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

No worries. You can substitute Old Bay with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic its signature flavor. Alternatively, use your favorite seafood spice blend.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap all-purpose flour and plain panko bread crumbs for gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. The cooking process and results are just as delicious.

Is it necessary to flip the cod midway through cooking?

Flipping ensures even cooking and a uniform crispy crust on both sides. It’s highly recommended for the best texture and appearance.

How do I know when the cod is done?

Besides the golden brown crust, the safe internal temperature for cooked fish is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, the cod should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Cod Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy light, crispy, and flavorful fish without turning your kitchen into a deep fryer zone. It’s approachable for cooks of every level and proves just how simple ingredients and an air fryer can come together for an impressive meal. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need