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