Craving a crispy seafood dish that feels indulgent but without the extra calories? Look no further than this Air Fryer Breaded Cod Recipe! Achieve a golden, crunchy crust with tender, flaky fish inside—all with minimal oil and effort. With a handful of ingredients and your trusty air fryer, this healthy alternative to fried fish will become your new favorite meal.

Ingredients for Breaded Cod in the Air Fryer

For this recipe, you’ll need the following essentials:

• Cod Fillets: Two cod fillets, about 1 inch thick. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly before starting.
• Salt and Pepper: ¼ teaspoon each, for seasoning.
• Seasoning of Choice: 1 teaspoon. Old Bay seasoning adds a flavorful kick, but you can also use lemon pepper, Cajun spice, or a mix of garlic powder and paprika.
• For the Breading Station:
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned).
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour.
  • 1 egg, whisked.
  • 1 tablespoon of seasoning (½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and paprika, with a dash of salt and pepper).

How  To Make

Prepare the Cod Fillets
Select fresh, high-quality cod fillets. If frozen, defrost them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier crust. Season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, and your chosen spice mix. Options include paprika for smokiness, Cajun spice for heat, or Old Bay for a classic seafood taste.

Set Up the Breading Station
Create a three-step breading station: Place flour on one plate, whisked egg in a shallow bowl, and Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and seasoning on another plate. Dredge each cod fillet in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently into the fish to ensure a well-adhered crust.

Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded fillets in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Lightly spritz the fillets with oil spray to enhance browning.

Cook to Perfection
Cook the cod fillets for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. For even browning, ensure both sides are exposed to the circulating air. The fish is done when the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a food thermometer to confirm doneness.

How Long to Air Fry Breaded Cod?

Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets. Typically, 8-12 minutes is sufficient for 1-inch-thick fillets. Adjust the timing for thinner or thicker pieces. Overcooked cod can become dry and tough, so keep a close eye and check for flakiness.

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Success

• Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
• Always preheat the air fryer for consistent results.
• Spritz the breaded fish lightly with oil for a golden finish.
• Flip the fillets halfway through to brown both sides evenly.
• Let the air fryer cool before cleaning to preserve its lifespan.

Variations and Additions

Customize your cod by adding different seasonings, like chili powder for heat or herbs like thyme and parsley for a fresh twist. For a tangy flavor, squeeze lemon over the cooked fish before serving.

CRISPY AIR FRYER COD

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 310

Ingredients

• 2 cod fillets (1-inch thick, thawed if frozen)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or lemon pepper, Cajun spice)
• For Breading:
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 1 tablespoon seasoning (½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, pepper)

Instructions

1. Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasoning.
2. Dredge each fillet in flour, dip in whisked egg, and coat with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika. Press breadcrumbs gently into the fillets.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange breaded cod in a single layer in the basket and spritz with oil spray.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 468mg
• Potassium: 990mg