Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Breaded Cod

I love cooking cod fillets in the air fryer. I’m obsessed with the crispy texture, and the perfectly cooked flesh. But let me tell you, if you haven’t tried breaded cod in the air fryer yet, you’re missing out on a game-changing experience.

The crust of golden-brown breadcrumbs takes the texture to a whole new level, adding an extra crunch that elevates the dish beyond your wildest expectations. I love that is it a healthier alternative to the traditional British dish of fish and chips, and it also brings back fond memories of seaside vacations and cozy fish and chip shops.

I mean, who wants to deal with a stinky kitchen and a greasy stovetop when you can just pop a piece of fish in the air fryer and have it come out like a gourmet meal? No need for extra oil or butter, just let the air fryer work its magic. Trust me, once you start cooking fish in the air fryer, you’ll never want to cook it any other way again.

This panko-crusted cod dish is not only a healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried options but also easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Please refer to the recipe card below for all the necessary ingredients and nutrition information to ensure you are getting the most out of this meal. Gather the following ingredients for breaded cod fish

Two cod fillets (thawed, if using frozen), a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, and a seasoning of choice. I used Old Bay seasoning. I love how its unique blend of herbs and spices adds a delightful zest to the cod, enhancing its natural flavors. Prepare All-purpose flour, whisked egg, and Panko for the breading station. Please see picture below.

How to Make Breaded Cod Fish in the Air Fryer

Choose & Prep Your Cod Fillets. Choose high-quality fish. Look for fillets that are firm, fresh, and have a light, clean scent. If your cod is frozen, allow the fish to defrost evenly, which is essential for cooking it correctly. If you skip thawing, your fish could be dry and chewy in some spots while still frozen in others. Worse yet, if you try to cook it from frozen, you risk undercooking the interior while overcooking the outside.

Season. Pat your fillets dry with paper towels and season them. I prefer to keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I love how paprika adds a smoky flavor to the fish that enhances its aroma. You can also try it with Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning. I also love to season cod with a mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley. This can be added to the fish before or after it’s been cooked. If you’re looking to add a bit of heat, red pepper flakes or chili powder can be excellent options.

Coat & Bread Your Cod Fillets. Once your cod fillets are seasoned, it’s time to coat them! Start by lightly dusting your fish with all-purpose flour. (Please see picture below) Then, dip each fillet in whisked eggs. Finally, coat the fillets generously in Panko breadcrumbs, making sure to press the breadcrumbs into the fish gently. This three-step breading method keeps the fish moist while creating a delicate crust that cooks up crispy in the air fryer.

Air Fry Your Cod Fillets. Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200°C). Then, place your breaded cod fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Gently spritz each fillet with spray oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes (depending on the thickness), flipping halfway, until the cod fillets are golden brown, crispy, and flaky on the inside. When the cod fillets’ internal temperature reaches 145F, they’re ready to enjoy!

How long to cook breaded fish in the air fryer?

It typically takes around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. However, keep an eye on the fish to ensure that you don’t overcook it. Overcooked cod can lead to a tough and dry texture, which can ruin the dish’s overall flavor and presentation. Make sure to check the fish and adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the thickness and size of the fish. My cod fillets are about 1 inch in the thickest part. I cooked it for 5 minutes per side for a total of 10 minutes.

Serve

Once your air fryer breaded cod fillets are cooked and crispy, it’s time to serve them up! Pair them with a side of tartar sauce, or Spicy Chipotle sauce for a touch of tang and heat.

Enjoy your fish fillets with the classic pairing of Air Fryer French fries. For a light and refreshing side dish, I love a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For heartier, I serve it with roasted vegetables such as Air fryer Peppers and Mushrooms. Air fryer Zucchini or sweet potatoes will add a deliciously savory touch to your meal.

Garnish your cod with lemon wedges. I love how their tangy flavor balances the mild flavor of the fish. Lemon also gives the dish an extra element of freshness, making it more appealing to the palate.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cod Fillets

• To make sure your air fryer breaded cod fillets come out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
• Don’t crowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the breaded cod fillets.
• Lightly spritz each side of the breaded fish with oil spray.
• Flip the cod fillets halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
• Let the air fryer cool down before cleaning it.

May I recommend other Seafood favorites in the Air fryer?