Life with three energetic kids means dinner time can feel like a triathlon! Between homework, sports, and simply trying to keep up, I crave simple, delicious, and nourishing meals that bring us together. That’s why I absolutely adore this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod.
It’s become a weeknight superhero in our house. Just last Tuesday, after a particularly chaotic evening, I pulled out the air fryer, and within minutes, the aroma of garlic and Parmesan filled the kitchen. My oldest, who can be picky, even asked for seconds of this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod!
It’s truly a testament to how quick, easy, and universally loved this recipe is. I’m excited to share my go-to method for preparing the most flavorful Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod your family will ever taste. You will love how effortlessly this Air Fryer Parmesan Cod comes together.
Table of Contents
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod is a weeknight superhero recipe, quick, easy, delicious, and nourishing. It features tender, flaky cod with a delightful crispy garlic and Parmesan crust, perfect for busy families. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that cooks incredibly fast with minimal oil and quick cleanup.
Ingredients
4 (6 oz each) fresh or thawed Cod fillets
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly
- Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of each cod fillet. Dredge each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes
- Carefully place the coated cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary
- Air fry for 10-14 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
- Remove the Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately
Notes
Always pat your cod fillets very dry before coating; this promotes a super crispy crust.
Preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.
Never overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if you have more than two fillets. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, resulting in soggy fish.
Check the internal temperature of the cod with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety and optimal texture.
For a gluten-free option, swap regular panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
You can use haddock or tilapia instead of cod.
Experiment with seasonings: add a pinch of dried Italian herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. Mix in a tablespoon of grated Pecorino Romano cheese with Parmesan for a sharper taste.
Leftover Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make it soggy.
If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake this in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated cod on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-18 minutes, or until golden and flaky.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod, weeknight dinner, fish recipe, healthy, quick, easy, family meal, air fryer, cod, parmesan
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will undoubtedly fall in love with this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod for so many reasons. First, it cooks incredibly fast, making it perfect for busy evenings. Furthermore, this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod delivers a delightful crunch on the outside with tender, flaky fish inside.
It’s also a healthy, protein-packed meal the whole family enjoys. Moreover, preparing Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod in the air fryer means minimal oil and quick cleanup. Indeed, this Crispy is a game-changer!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Gathering your ingredients for this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod is straightforward.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cod fillets | 4 (6 oz each), fresh or thawed |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | Optional |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
You can easily adapt this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For instance, use haddock or tilapia instead of cod. If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap regular panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Feel free to experiment with seasonings; add a pinch of dried Italian herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to the breading mixture for a brighter flavor. Additionally, a dash of cayenne pepper brings a little heat to your Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod. You can even mix in a tablespoon of grated Pecorino Romano cheese with the Parmesan for a sharper taste. This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod is truly versatile!
Just as you can get creative with variations for your cod, adapting recipes to fit different meals or dietary needs is a fantastic skill. For another versatile dish that shines with a satisfying crisp, consider how a hearty breakfast can be transformed into a delicious and easy Crispy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Creating this delicious Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod is simple and quick.
1. Prepare the Cod: First, pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step ensures maximum crispiness for your Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod.
2. Make the Coating: Next, in a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Coat the Fish: Then, drizzle the olive oil over both sides of each cod fillet. Subsequently, dredge each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. You want a good, even layer for the perfect Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod.
4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
5. Air Fry: Carefully place the coated cod fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary to achieve the best Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod.
6. Cook: Air fry for 10-14 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The exact time depends on the thickness of your cod fillets and your air fryer model. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for your Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod.
7. Serve: Finally, remove the Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Mastering the art of crispiness is key, whether you’re air frying fish or baking other proteins to perfection. The same principles of dry ingredients and proper air circulation that make this cod so good also apply when preparing a succulent and Crispy Baked chicken parmesan north italia.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Leftover Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat your Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod and maintain its crispiness, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod soggy.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
While your Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod is the star, choosing the right side dishes can elevate the entire meal. If you’re looking for another delightful and crunchy accompaniment that adds a unique texture, these Crispy Cabbage Dumplings offer a fantastic flavor contrast.
FAQS
Can I use frozen cod for this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just ensure you thaw the frozen cod completely in the refrigerator overnight and then pat it very dry before coating for the best Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated cod on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-18 minutes, or until golden and flaky. The crispiness might not be as intense as with an air fryer, but it will still be delicious Parmesan Cod.
How do I know when the Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod is done?
The Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod is done when the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C).
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cod offers a modern, efficient way to prepare a classic fish dish, leveraging the circulating hot air for a perfectly crisp exterior without excessive oil. This method of cooking, often referred to as air frying technique, has gained immense popularity for its ability to mimic deep-frying results with significantly less fat.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
(Estimates based on 6 oz cod fillet and recipe ingredients)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |