Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, flaky fish with a flavorful, crunchy coating. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with fresh sides and comes together with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: In another small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Step 4: Brush a generous layer of the mayo mixture onto one side of each cod fillet. Press the mayo-coated side firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each fillet is evenly covered.
5. Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated fillets in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Check that the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F (63°C). If needed, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the cod from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, flip the fillets halfway through cooking if your air fryer allows.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter coating.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
• Use other white fish like haddock or tilapia if cod is unavailable.

Storage

Store any leftover crusted cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen cod fillets. Be sure to fully defrost and pat them dry before seasoning and coating to ensure the crust sticks well and cooks evenly.

What sides pair well with Parmesan crusted cod?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted or steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple rice pilaf for a balanced meal.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky cod fillets with a golden, crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Featuring a zesty mayo-Dijon lemon sauce to lock in moisture and flavor, this quick and easy air fryer recipe is a healthy twist on traditional fried fish, perfect for a guilt-free weeknight dinner.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)

Breadcrumb Coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well. Season both sides of each fillet evenly with salt and pepper for basic seasoning.
2. Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a well-balanced flavorful crust mixture.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. This mixture helps the coating stick and adds tangy flavor.
4. Coat the Fillets: Use a brush or spoon to apply a generous layer of the mayo mixture on one side of each cod fillet. Then press the mayo-coated side firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thorough, even coating to create a crispy crust when air fried.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches optimal cooking temperature for a crispy finish.
6. Air Fry the Cod: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated fillets in the basket without crowding to allow hot air circulation. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy and the fish flakes easily.
7. Check for Doneness: Verify the internal temperature of the cod reaches at least 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer. If not fully cooked, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the cooked cod from the air fryer. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately with your preferred sides such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Patting the fillets dry is crucial for a crispy crust.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Use fresh parsley for garnish to brighten the dish.
• The internal temperature should reach 145°F to ensure the fish is fully cooked.
• You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or pollock.

Keywords: cod recipe, air fryer fish, parmesan crusted cod, healthy fish recipe, crispy air fryer fish