Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod Recipe
This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flaky fish with a golden, crunchy crust. Featuring a flavorful Parmesan and panko coating seasoned with garlic, onion, and herbs, the cod is air fried to perfection for a healthy, delicious dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 cod fillets – about 6 oz each, fresh or thawed if frozen
- Salt & black pepper – to season
Crunchy Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper – a pinch each
Sauce Mixture
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy crust. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Mix the Crunchy Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all the spices and herbs.
- Whip Up the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This tangy mixture will be used to coat the fish and help the crunchy coating stick while adding flavor.
- Coat Each Fillet: Brush one side of each cod fillet generously with the mayo mixture. Then press the coated side firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan blend until fully covered. Applying a thick coating ensures extra crunch after cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the fish cook evenly and results in a crispier crust.
- Cook Until Golden: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated fillets in a single layer with space between them to allow hot air circulation. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer requires it. Confirm doneness when the crust is a deep golden color and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish & Serve: Carefully remove the fillets from the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to complete a balanced and beautiful meal.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is key to a crisp crust—don’t skip this step.
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the fish in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: cod, air fryer, Parmesan crust, crispy fish, easy dinner, baked fish, panko breadcrumbs, quick seafood recipe
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/crispy-air-fryer-parmesan-cod-recipe/
