Crispy Flakey Air Fryer Cod
Cod, a beloved fish known for its mild flavor and tender yet firm texture, provides a perfect base for various flavors. Its delicate nature means it soaks up the accompanying spices and breading beautifully, resulting in a dish where every bite is comforting and delicious.
Panko bread crumbs, known for their light, airy, and crispy qualities, form the base of the crust. These Japanese-style crumbs are larger and flakier than their traditional counterparts, ensuring that each fillet has a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicley with the softness of the fish.
The panko is then seasoned for added flavor. A touch of salt awakens the cod's natural flavors, while garlic and onion powders build a foundation of warmth and savory notes. Dried dill and parsley add a subtle hint of freshness. Paprika rounds out the seasoning with its sweet and mildly spicy character, painting each fillet with a hint of smokiness.
In the air fryer, high heat circulates around the lightly breaded cod, cooking it to perfection in mere minutes. This method is not only quicker and easier than traditional frying but also healthier, reducing the amount of oil needed while still achieving a crunchy texture. When it emerges from the air fryer, the exterior is crisp and golden, while inside, the fish remains moist and flaky. Each fillet breaks apart effortlessly.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the hot, crispy fillets adds a bright, citrusy zing that enhances the fish's natural flavors. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a splash of color but also a fresh, clean note that balances the rich, savory crust. Serve with your favorite sauce or dip, I prefer tartar sauce!
Crispy Flakey Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 pinch salt
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 lb cod fillets
- oil spray
- lemon wedges, for serving
- fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Meanwhile, whisk the egg in a shallow dish until frothy—season with a pinch of salt. Combine the panko and seasonings in another shallow bowl.
- Dip cod fillets into the egg mixture and then into the panko mixture to coat. Carefully place breaded cod into the prepared basket and spray with oil.
- . Air-fry in the preheated air fryer for about 7 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets, spray with oil, and air-fry until the cod flakes easily with a fork, about 5-7 more minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges, your favorite dip or sauce, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
