Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Edi toron

  • 1½ lbs (680g) cod fillets, patted very dry (cut into even pieces if needed)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for GF)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (to coat panko)
  • Lemon wedges & fresh parsley, for serving

💡 Pro Tips:

  • Pat fish DRY—this is the #1 secret to crispiness!
  • Use fresh panko—stale breadcrumbs won’t crisp well.
  • Don’t skip the oil on panko—it activates browning in the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Crispy, Foolproof, Fast)

1. Prep the Cod

  • Pat cod fillets extremely dry with paper towels. Cut into 4 even portions if needed.

2. Set Up Breading Station

  • Bowl 1: Flour + pinch of salt
  • Bowl 2: Beaten egg
  • Bowl 3: Panko + garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp oil (mix well)

3. Bread the Fish

  • Dredge each fillet in flour (shake off excess).
  • Dip in egg (let excess drip off).
  • Press firmly into panko mixture, coating all sides.
  • Place on a plate (don’t stack).

4. Air Fry to Golden Perfection

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes (optional but helpful).
  • Lightly spray or brush cod with oil (extra insurance for crispness).
  • Place in air fryer basket in a single layer (no touching!).
  • Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).

5. Serve Immediately

  • Squeeze with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

  • 🥗 Light & fresh: Over arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • 🍟 Comfort meal: With air-fried fries or roasted potatoes
  • 🌮 Fish taco style: In warm tortillas with slaw and chipotle mayo
  • 🥣 With dip: Tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or lemon-dill yogurt

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Prep ahead: Bread fish up to 4 hours ahead; refrigerate on a rack.
  • Leftovers: Store in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Freezing? Not recommended—texture suffers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other fish?
A: Yes! Halibut, haddock, tilapia, or pollock work well.

Q: No panko?
A: Use crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, or regular breadcrumbs (panko gives the crispiest result).

Q: Gluten-free?
A: Use GF panko and cornstarch instead of flour.

Q: Why isn’t my cod crispy?
A: Common causes:

  • Fish wasn’t dry enough
  • Overcrowded the basket
  • Skipped oil on panko
  • Air fryer wasn’t hot enough

❤️ The Bottom Line

This Crispy Air Fryer Cod proves you don’t need deep-frying to get golden, crunchy perfection. With smart breading and the power of hot air, you get restaurant-quality fish at home—in less time than it takes to order delivery.

So pat that fish dry, crunch up that panko, and air fry with confidence. Because the best seafood isn’t fried—it’s fast, fresh, and finished with a squeeze of lemon.

“Great fish doesn’t need a fryer—it just needs heat, crunch, and a little care.” 🐟🍋✨

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