Delicious Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Here is a delicious, go-to recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Cod that delivers a golden, crunchy exterior and a tender, flaky inside. This guide covers the classic breaded version, a simple everyday option, and a more adventurous Asian-inspired take.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454g) cod fillets
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten with a pinch of salt)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or garlic powder and smoked paprika)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• White miso paste
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Cornmeal
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Scallions

Instructions

1. Prep the Fish: Thoroughly pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2. Set Up a Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place (1) the flour, (2) the beaten eggs, and (3) the panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and seasonings.
3. Coat the Cod: Dredge each fillet first in the flour (shaking off excess), then dip it into the egg wash, and finally press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture to ensure an even coating.
4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil and arrange the breaded fillets in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
5. Cook: Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets and continue air frying for another 3-5 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. For the Simple & Speedy Version: Pat the cod dry, rub with olive oil, and season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fish flakes easily.
7. For the Miso Sesame Glazed Cod: Combine white miso paste, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to make a glaze. Brush onto the cod before coating in a crispy panko and cornmeal crust. Air-fry the fillets and finish with a drizzle of the reserved warm glaze, toasted sesame seeds, and scallions.

Notes

Don’t Overcrowd: Leaving space between fillets is crucial for proper air circulation. If the basket is too full, the fish will steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if necessary. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures the fish hits high heat immediately, which helps create that golden, crunchy crust from the start. Reheating: Leftovers are best reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving will make the crust soggy.