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- 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg, beaten - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt to taste To create this tasty Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod, gather these fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the cod delicious and crunchy. You need cod fillets as your main protein. Choose fillets that are around 6 ounces for even cooking. Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. Fresh parsley brightens every bite. For seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder provide depth. Paprika adds a touch of warmth, while black pepper gives a slight kick. The beaten egg serves as the binder, helping the coating stick. Olive oil adds moisture and helps with browning. Finally, salt enhances all these wonderful flavors. Having all these ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth and fun. Now, let's get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by drying the cod fillets with paper towels. This step is key. A dry fillet helps the coating stick better. Next, sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides. Salt enhances flavor, while black pepper adds a nice kick. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. I like to use panko for extra crunch. Add fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well to ensure even flavor. Now, prepare your dipping station. In a shallow dish, pour the beaten egg. This egg wash helps the coating stick. In another dish, drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mix. Stir until the crumbs are lightly moistened. This helps create that perfect crispy crust. For coating, dip each cod fillet into the egg wash. Let the excess egg drip off. Then, press the fillet into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat it well, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. Once hot, place the coated fillets in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Once cooked, remove the cod from the air fryer. Serve hot on a platter. I love to add lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. Pair it with a side of mixed greens or a light salad for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. When you coat your cod, the panko will give it that satisfying crunch you want. Press the crumbs onto the fish to help them stick better. This way, you get a nice, golden crust when it cooks. Want more flavor? Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix. This brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can also mix in dried herbs like thyme or oregano. Fresh parsley is great, too. It adds a pop of color and taste. Experiment with these additions to find your favorite combo. Avoid common air frying mistakes. Don't overcrowd the basket. If you put too many fillets in at once, they won’t cook evenly. Flip the cod halfway through cooking. This helps both sides get crispy. Keep an eye on the time. Overcooked cod can become dry, so check it a few minutes early. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cod: Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen cod fillets for the best flavor and texture. Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or basil for a unique flavor profile. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F (63°C) for optimal safety and taste. {{image_2}} You can use different fish types for this recipe. Some great choices include: - Salmon: Rich and fatty, it works well with the crunchy crust. - Tilapia: A mild fish that absorbs flavors nicely. - Haddock: Similar to cod but offers a slightly sweeter taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fish. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets. Thinner fish may cook faster, so keep an eye on them. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They will still give you that nice crunch. Many brands offer gluten-free panko, which keeps the texture light and crispy. Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, and you are good to go! For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture. Start with a small amount, like ¼ teaspoon of cayenne. You can always add more if you like heat! A dash of hot sauce in the egg wash also works well. This adds a nice flavor and a little heat without overpowering the dish. Enjoy your spicy twist! To keep your cod fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the cod cool down first. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container. This will help absorb extra moisture. Seal the container tightly and store it in the fridge. Enjoy your leftovers within two days for the best taste. Reheating in the air fryer works best. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the cod for about 5 minutes. Check to see if it’s warm. If it needs more time, add a minute or two. You can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cod on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until it’s warm throughout. You can freeze Parmesan crusted cod. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Follow this with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped cod in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. The cooking time for cod in an air fryer is about 10 to 12 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the cod. Flip the fillets halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method gives you a crispy outside while keeping the fish moist inside. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Mozzarella gives a nice melt, while cheddar adds a rich flavor. Just remember that different cheeses will change the dish's overall taste and texture. Parmesan crusted cod tastes great with many sides. Consider serving it with: - Mixed greens salad - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa or rice - Lemon wedges for a fresh touch These sides add color and balance to your meal. Cod is fully cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check if you're unsure. This ensures your cod is both safe and delicious. Yes, you can prepare the cod ahead of time. Coat the fillets and store them in the fridge for up to a few hours. This way, you can quickly cook them in the air fryer when you're ready to eat. Air frying is generally healthier than traditional frying. It uses less oil, reducing fat and calories. This method also cuts down on harmful compounds that form during deep frying. Enjoy your crispy cod with a bit less guilt! This blog post covered making Parmesan crusted cod in an air fryer. We looked at the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. You learned how to coat the cod and achieve a crunchy texture. We also shared possible variations and storage tips. By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a tasty dish that’s simple to make. Remember, experimenting with flavors can elevate your meal. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

A delicious and crispy cod fillet coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets cod fillets (6 ounces each)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  • In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to combine.
  • In a separate shallow dish, place the beaten egg. In a third dish, drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and stir until the crumbs are slightly moistened.
  • Dip each cod fillet into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the coated cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
  • Once done, carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and serve hot.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and a side of mixed greens for a refreshing meal.
Keyword air fryer, cod, healthy, Parmesan, seafood