Air-Fryer Breaded Cod: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to cook breaded cod, resulting in a crispy exterior and a flaky, tender interior without the need for deep-frying in oil. The cooking time for breaded cod in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 8 to 12 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). The cod is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.

Cooking Breaded Cod in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating, you ensure that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature before adding your breaded cod fillets, promoting even cooking and helping to achieve the desired crispy texture.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This temperature setting is crucial, as it will directly impact the cooking time and the final texture of your breaded cod. Allow sufficient time for the air fryer to reach the set temperature.

Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to prepare the breaded cod fillets for cooking. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer and do not touch each other. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate evenly around each fillet, promoting uniform cooking.

During this stage, you also have the option of gently spritzing each fillet with spray oil. This step is not mandatory but can enhance the flavour and texture of your breaded cod. The oil helps to achieve a golden brown exterior and a crispy texture, making the dish more appealing.

By preheating your air fryer and properly preparing your breaded cod fillets, you are well on your way to creating a delicious and evenly cooked meal. Remember, the preheating step forms the foundation for successful air frying, so don't skip it!

Prepare the cod fillets

To prepare the cod fillets, start by patting them dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture. You can use fresh or frozen cod fillets, but if you're using frozen, make sure to thaw them first.

Next, it's time to season the fillets. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favourite seasoning blend. Get creative and experiment with different flavours!

Once the fillets are seasoned, it's time to coat them. This is a three-step process that will give the fish a delicious, crispy crust. First, lightly dust the fillets with all-purpose flour. Then, dip each fillet in whisked eggs. Finally, coat the fillets generously with breadcrumbs. You can use traditional breadcrumbs, but Panko breadcrumbs will give you an even crispier and tastier crust. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently into the fish so that they stick and fully coat the fillets.

If you want to take your breading to the next level, you can mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs. This adds a savoury flavour to the crust and makes the dish even more mouthwatering.

Now that your cod fillets are seasoned and coated, they're ready to be placed in the air fryer. But before you do that, spritz them with a light layer of oil spray. This will help them achieve that golden-brown colour and extra crispy texture.

Coat the fillets

To make breaded cod in an air fryer, you'll first need to coat the fillets with a breading or batter. While some recipes suggest cooking the cod without any breading, the classic method involves coating the fillets in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

To coat the fillets, start by patting them dry with a paper towel. This will remove any excess moisture and ensure that the breading sticks properly. You can season the fillets with salt and pepper, or a seasoning blend like Old Bay, before coating them.

Next, prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine all-purpose flour with any desired seasonings. You can use a blend of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, or simply stick to salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk an egg. The egg will act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the fish. In the third dish, add your breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice, as they create a crispier and more appealing crust than traditional breadcrumbs. However, if you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.

Now, it's time to coat the fillets. Start by lightly dusting each fillet with the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Then, dip the floured fillets into the whisked egg, again ensuring that all sides are coated. Finally, coat the fillets generously with the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the breadcrumbs into the fish to ensure they stick. This three-step breading method will keep the fish moist while creating a delicate, crispy crust.

Cook for 8-12 minutes

To cook breaded cod in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place your breaded cod fillets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Spritz each fillet with spray oil.

The cod is ready when it is golden brown, crispy, and flaky on the inside. You can also check by flaking the cod with a fork—if it flakes apart easily, it's done.

If you're using frozen cod, the cooking process will be a little different. First, cook the frozen fillets at 350°F for 4 minutes. Then, add oil and seasonings, and air fry again at 370°F for about 10 minutes.

Serve with tartar sauce

Breaded cod cooked in an air fryer pairs well with tartar sauce. Tartar sauce is a great dipping option for breaded cod and can be made by mixing 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped pickles (or sweet pickle relish), 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon or yellow mustard, and a pinch of salt. You can also add your own twist to the sauce by using plant-based sour cream instead of mayonnaise, or adding 1/4 grated Parmesan.

If you want to make your breaded cod into a more complete meal, you can serve it with tartar sauce and a side of fries, or even air fryer tater tots, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. You can also serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or Texas toast. For a healthier option, skip the fries and opt for a salad or roasted vegetables.

If you're looking for a creative way to use your breaded cod, try making rice bowls! Start with a base of jasmine rice, then add edamame, sliced carrots, and cabbage. Top it off with your breaded cod and bang bang sauce, or any other sauce you prefer. This can be a quick and healthy lunch option.

When it comes to reheating your breaded cod, the air fryer is the way to go. Simply place the leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a crispy and delicious breaded cod, just like when it was freshly cooked!

Frequently asked questions