Crispy Air Fryer Cod with Parmesan and Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
Air Fryer Cod is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring crispy, golden breaded cod filets with a tender and flaky interior. This recipe uses simple ingredients and the air fryer cooking method to create a healthier alternative to traditional fried fish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Entree
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 pound cod filets
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Breading Station
- 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
Other
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Season the cod filets: Season 1 pound of cod filets with salt and ground black pepper on both sides to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
- Prepare the breading station: Set up three bowls. In the first bowl, place ½ cup all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs with ½ teaspoon salt. In the third bowl, combine 1 cup plain panko bread crumbs, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Coat the fish in flour: Dip each cod filet into the flour, making sure it is fully coated. This helps the egg adhere better to the fish.
- Dip in egg mixture: After flouring, dip each filet into the seasoned egg mixture to create a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs to adhere.
- Apply breadcrumb coating: Dip the egg-coated filets into the panko and parmesan mixture, pressing the crumbs gently to ensure a thorough, even coating.
- Air fry the cod: Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded filets in the basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip and continue cooking: Carefully flip the fish filets and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the coating is crisp and golden brown.
Notes
- Originally Posted 3/21/2021
- Updated 2/23/2025
- For best results, use fresh cod filets that are about 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Olive oil spray can be substituted with any neutral cooking spray if preferred.
- Adjust the Old Bay seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
