Crispy Air Fryer Cod with Lemon-Garlic Herb Crust
Air Fryer Cod
A perfectly flaky cod recipe with a golden panko crust, made light and crispy in the air fryer.
Nutrition (per serving)
There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked piece of fish that flakes at the touch of a fork, especially when it’s topped with a golden, buttery crust. This Air Fryer Cod recipe has become my go-to for busy weeknights because it delivers that 'fried' texture we all love without the heavy oil or the mess. The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air to crisp up the panko and parmesan topping while keeping the fish inside incredibly tender and moist.
What I love most about this dish is how the brightness of fresh lemon zest cuts through the richness of the garlic butter. It’s a sophisticated-tasting dinner that feels like it came from a high-end seafood shack, but it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Serve it alongside some roasted asparagus or a fresh slaw, and you have a balanced, restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets:1.5 lb
- Panko breadcrumbs:0.5 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese:0.25 cup
- Garlic powder:1 tsp
- Smoked paprika:0.5 tsp
- Dried parsley:1 tsp
- Lemon zest:1 tbsp
- Melted butter:2 tbsp
- Salt:0.5 tsp
- Black pepper:0.25 tsp
Instructions
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Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the topping sticks and the fish doesn't steam.
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In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and lemon zest.
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Stir the melted butter into the panko mixture until it looks like wet sand.
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Season each cod fillet generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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Press a thick layer of the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet, firming it down with your fingers.
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Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and place the fillets inside, ensuring they are not touching.
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Air fry for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the crust is golden brown and the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Tips & Notes
- Use thick-cut fillets like Atlantic cod or haddock for the best results as thin fillets may cook too quickly before the crust browns.
- Don't overcrowd the basket—if your air fryer is small, cook in two batches to ensure maximum crispiness.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
