Breaded Cod in the Air Fryer

Crispy breaded cod is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that cooks in the air fryer. The fish is coated in a three-step process of flour, egg, and a panko-Parmesan mixture, resulting in a golden, crunchy exterior and tender, flaky interior without deep-frying.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Paper towels
• 3 shallow dishes or bowls
• Oil spray
• Spatula
• Instant thermometer
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 4 pieces cod fillets (4 to 5 inches long each)
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Oil (for spraying)
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley or dill (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture.
2. Season all sides of the fillets with lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder. Add salt if the lemon pepper seasoning does not contain it.
3. Set up three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with a mixture of panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Dredge each cod fillet in the flour, ensuring a thin, even coating, and shake off any excess.
5. Dip the floured fillet into the beaten egg, coating the entire surface and allowing excess egg to drip off.
6. Transfer the egg-coated fillet to the panko and Parmesan mixture, pressing the crumbs gently onto the fish to ensure even coverage.
7. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the breaded cod fillets in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
8. Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with oil.
9. Set the air fryer to 400°F / 200°C and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through.
10. Check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fish reaches 145°F / 63°C.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley or dill if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

If not serving immediately, rest the cooked fillets on a cooling rack to prevent steam from making the bottom of the coating soft. Alternative seasonings include Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or simple salt and pepper.