Air Fryer Breaded Cod: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Cooking breaded cod in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, golden, tender fish without the mess and grease of deep-fat frying. The air fryer method is healthier, using minimal or zero oil, and delivers a crunchy texture. The hot air circulates around the fillet, making it crispy and delicious. The breaded cod is also less likely to slide off or become soggy in an air fryer.

Air fryer cod: a healthier alternative to traditional frying

Air fryer cod is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional frying. The air fryer gives the cod a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky. It is also a quick and easy way to cook, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets (fresh or frozen)
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a crispier texture)
• Olive oil spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, and old bay seasoning.

Method

• Prepare your dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs and any additional seasonings.
• Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the breading from sticking.
• Dip each cod fillet first in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
• Place the breaded cod in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for air to flow.
• Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
• Carefully flip the fish and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Serve immediately with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite sides.

Tips

• You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will result in a crispier texture.
• The cook time may vary depending on the thickness of your cod fillets and the model of your air fryer. Check the fish for doneness after 10 minutes and adjust the timing as needed.
• If using frozen cod, be sure to thaw it according to the package directions and pat it dry before breading.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious air fryer cod!

How to prepare the cod fillets

To prepare the cod fillets, start by cutting the fish into 3-4 pieces. The size of the pieces will determine how long they need to cook for, so try to make them roughly the same thickness to ensure even cooking. Thicker pieces will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Next, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important because if the fish is too wet, it can steam, and your breadcrumb coating may become soggy.

Now you're ready to start breading the fish. Set up three shallow bowls for the breading station. In the first bowl, add flour; you can also add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the flour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, old bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and more salt and pepper if desired.

Take each piece of cod and roll it in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it in the panko crumb mixture. Make sure to press the crumbs evenly onto the fish so that they stick. Now your cod fillets are ready to be placed in the air fryer!

The breading process

Next, prepare your breading station. Set up a shallow dish with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. In a second dish, whisk an egg. You can add a little water to the egg to thin it out if needed. In a third dish, add your breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, which will give your cod a crispier texture. You can also add some parmesan cheese to your breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to bread the cod. Take each fillet and dip it first in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it in the egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the fillet in the breadcrumbs, making sure to press the breadcrumbs into the fish so that they stick. Repeat this process for each fillet, and you'll have perfectly breaded cod ready for the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The ideal temperature and cooking time for breaded cod in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the fillets. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the breaded cod fillets for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature of the cod should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

For thicker cod loins, it is suggested to air fry at 370°F for about 10 minutes. It is important to ensure that the cod is cooked evenly and not over-dried, especially if using thinner fillets. The cooking time may also vary depending on the number of pieces being cooked. It is recommended to cook in batches if necessary, to allow proper air circulation and achieve a crispy texture.

When cooking frozen cod, it is important to thaw it first by placing it in cold water for about 20 minutes. Fresh cod is generally preferred, but frozen cod can be used if properly thawed and dried before cooking.

While cooking, it is essential to pay attention to the cod's texture and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Overcooking the cod can result in a tough and dry texture, affecting the overall flavour and presentation of the dish. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the fish and ensure it doesn't cook for too long.

Additionally, the use of oil is optional but can enhance the crispiness of the breaded coating. However, it is important to use an oil-only spray and avoid non-stick sprays as they may contain additives that can damage the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

There are several ways to serve air-fried breaded cod. A classic pairing is to serve the fish with French fries and tartar sauce, creating a healthier version of fish and chips. You can also serve the fish with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw. For a lighter option, serve the cod with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. If you want to add a tangy kick, squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the cod before air frying.

You can also use the cod as a salad topper or make rice bowls with jasmine rice, edamame, sliced carrots, and cabbage, topped with bang bang sauce or your sauce of choice. For a healthier option, serve the cod with a side of asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.

If you want to add extra flavour to your cod, experiment with different seasonings. Try Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika. You can also infuse the cod with herbs by sprinkling fresh or dried herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme on top.

For a true fish fry, serve the cod with air fryer tater tots or potato wedges.

Frequently asked questions