Introduction

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod is a quick and delicious way to enjoy flaky fish with a crunchy, flavorful crust. Perfect for an easy dinner, it combines a zesty mayo coating with a golden Parmesan and panko topping for irresistible texture.

The image shows three golden brown breaded chicken pieces inside a black pan. The crispy chicken has a rough texture with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top of the chicken. There are four lemon wedges placed around the chicken, adding bright yellow and white colors. The chicken pieces are arranged closely together on the pan’s dark surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cod fillets – about 6 oz each, fresh or thawed if frozen
1 cup panko breadcrumbs – for that signature airy crunch
½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated – the star of the crust
1 tsp garlic powder – brings warm, savory depth
1 tsp onion powder – adds a subtle sweetness
1 tsp dried oregano – a hint of herby flavor
½ tsp paprika – for smoky color and a little kick
Salt & black pepper – to season every bite
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – optional, but makes it pop
¼ cup mayonnaise – helps the coating stick and keeps fish moist
1 tbsp Dijon mustard – adds tang and brightness
1 tbsp lemon juice – freshens up the flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove moisture, then season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: In a small separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Brush one side of each fillet with the mayo mixture, then press the coated side firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan blend until fully covered for an extra crunchy crust.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes for optimum crispiness.
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place fillets in a single layer with space between them. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway if needed, until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 7: Carefully remove the fillets and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, mix some lemon zest into the breadcrumb mixture before coating the fish.
If you prefer a milder crust, reduce the garlic and onion powder to ½ teaspoon each.
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
To get an even crispier crust, spray the coated side of the fish lightly with oil before air frying.
Swap cod for haddock or tilapia if desired; cooking time may vary slightly based on thickness.

Storage

Store leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore the crispiness without drying out the fish.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface, holding two pieces of golden-brown breaded fish fillets with a crispy texture and light green herbs sprinkled on top. On the left side of the plate, there is a row of green asparagus spears cooked and slightly shiny. On the right side of the fillets, there are two lemon wedges with a bright yellow color. The overall look is fresh, with warm colors from the fish and bright greens from the asparagus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and coating to ensure the crust crisps up properly.

What should I serve with crispy air fryer Parmesan cod?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or even a light rice pilaf for a balanced meal.