CRISPY AND FLAKY AIR FRYER BREADED COD

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Air fryer breaded cod is a crispy seafood dish without the guilt and the answer to all your fried fish prayers. With the help of your trusty air fryer and a few simple ingredients, enjoy a golden and crunchy exterior with perfectly tender and flaky cod within.
PREP TIME10minutes 
COOK TIME10minutes 
TOTAL TIME20minutes 
SERVINGS servings
CALORIES310 kcal

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cod fillets about 1-inch thick. Thawed, if using frozen
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon Pepper to taste
  • 1 Teaspoon Seasoning I used Old Bay seasoning. You can also try it with lemon pepper seasoning, or cajun spice.

For breading Cod

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs or you can use regular breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 1 tablespoon seasoning Combine ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt & pepper to taste and mix it with Panko breadcrumbs

INSTRUCTIONS

    • Prep cod fillets: 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. 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: 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!
      crispy fried fish in air fryer
  • How long to cook breaded fish in the air fryer? It typically takes around 8 to12 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 5 minutes per side for a total of 10 minutes.
    flaky flesh of white fish

NOTES

TIPS: Pay attention to these expert suggestions to ensure your cod fillets emerge from the air fryer with optimal taste and texture.

  1. If cooking frozen cod in the air fryer, please make sure it is thawed. First, avoid using hot water. Sure, it may seem like a quick fix, but trust me, we’re going to air fry cod, not start the cooking process in hot water. Instead, pop the frozen cod in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
  2. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing for better browning.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before placing the cod inside. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  4. Flip the cod halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning on both sides.
  5. Make sure your cod fillets are the same thickness. This ensures even cooking and not over-drying the thinner cod fillet.
  6. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod. It should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
  7. Serve the Air Fryer Cod immediately to enjoy its optimal taste and texture.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1servingCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 40gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 275mgSodium: 468mgPotassium: 990mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1783IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 164mgIron: 7mg

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