Air Fryer Cod Bites served with a creamy lemon herb dip.

Ingredients

For the Cod Bites:

• 500g fresh cod fillets (skinless, boneless)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for added heat)
• Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Lemon Herb Dip:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill (or ½ tsp dried dill)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

1. Start by rinsing the cod fillets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Moisture removal is essential for achieving a crispy coating. Cut the fillets into bite-sized chunks, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each. Try to keep the sizes uniform so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

1. Create a three-step breading station:
2. Flour Bowl: Add flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Egg Bowl: Beat the eggs until smooth.
4. Breadcrumb Bowl: Mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and chili flakes.
5. This setup ensures the cod bites are evenly coated and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 3: Coat the Cod Bites

1. Dip each piece of cod into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the breadcrumbs adhere well.
2. Place the coated pieces on a plate or tray. Avoid stacking them to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness from the start.

Step 5: Air Fry the Cod Bites

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Arrange the cod bites in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
2. Cooking Temperature: 200°C (400°F)
3. Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
4. Intensity Level: Medium-high heat
5. Halfway through cooking (around 5–6 minutes), flip the cod bites and lightly spray again for an even golden crust.
6. The cod is done when it’s crispy on the outside and flakes easily inside.

Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Herb Dip

1. While the cod is cooking, prepare the dip. In a small bowl, combine:
2. Mayonnaise
3. Yogurt or sour cream
4. Lemon juice and zest
5. Garlic powder
6. Fresh herbs
7. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal · Protein: 25g · Fat: 16g · Carbohydrates: 18g · Saturated Fat: 3g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 2g · Sodium: 520mg