Air-Fried Battered Cod: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Battered cod is a delicious treat, but it can be a hassle to make at home—especially if you want to avoid deep-frying. However, with an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, flaky, and tender cod without the mess and calories of traditional frying methods. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making mouth-watering battered cod in your air fryer, covering everything from ingredients and preparation to cooking and serving tips. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with restaurant-quality cod, made right in the comfort of your own home!

Preparing the cod fillets

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients and prepare your work area. For the cod fillets, you will require fresh or frozen cod, which should be thawed before use. It is important to ensure that your cod fillets are dry, so pat them gently with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it will help the coating adhere better and prevent sogginess.

Next, set up your dredging station. You will need three shallow dishes or bowls. In the first dish, combine all-purpose flour with your choice of seasonings. Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences. In the second dish, whisk an egg. This will act as a binding agent for the coating. For the final dish, prepare your coating by adding Panko breadcrumbs. You can also use regular breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs if that is what you have on hand.

Now you are ready to begin the breading process. Take each cod fillet and dip it first into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fillet with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so that the breadcrumbs adhere well to the fish. Repeat this process for each fillet until they are all evenly coated.

Once your cod fillets are breaded, it is a good idea to prepare your air fryer basket. Lightly grease the basket with oil or non-stick spray. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures that your cod fillets will release easily from the basket after cooking. Place the breaded cod fillets into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fillets in batches.

With your cod fillets prepared and arranged in the air fryer basket, you are now ready to move on to the cooking process. Adjust your air fryer temperature and timer according to your chosen recipe, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy battered cod!

Making the batter

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the batter, you will need flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Additionally, you will need your chosen seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Preparation

Start by setting up your dredging station. Grab three shallow dishes or bowls. In the first dish, combine the flour with your chosen seasonings. You can also add a little salt and pepper to taste. In the second dish, whisk an egg. For a wet batter, you can also add beer to this dish and whisk until smooth. In the third dish, add your breadcrumbs. If you like, you can also add some extra seasonings to the breadcrumbs for more flavour.

Battering the Cod

Now it's time to coat the cod fillets. Start by patting the cod dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the batter adhere better to the fish. Next, dip each fillet into the flour mixture, making sure it's evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the fish gently into the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick properly. Repeat this process for each fillet.

Final Steps

Once all your fillets are battered, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush it with oil. Place the fillets in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook the fish in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Finally, spray the tops of the fillets with a light coating of oil to help them crisp up.

And that's it! You're now ready to air fry your battered cod to crispy perfection. Enjoy!

Cooking the cod in the air fryer

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your cod is coated, it's time to cook your fish! Place the cod in the fryer basket, ensuring the pieces aren't touching so that air can circulate. Spray the tops of the cod with cooking spray or oil spray.

Cook the cod for 8 minutes, then turn each piece and mist with cooking spray or oil spray. Continue cooking for another 4-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your cod fillets. The cod is done when it flakes apart easily with a fork. The USDA recommends cooking cod to an internal temperature of 145°F.

If you're cooking a larger batch of cod, you may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

What to serve with battered cod

Battered cod is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to elevate your meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Sides

For a traditional take on battered cod, consider serving it with french fries or roasted potatoes. These sides complement the fish perfectly and give your meal a comforting feel. Don't forget to add a tangy tartar sauce on the side for an extra flavour boost.

Veggie Sides

If you're looking for a healthier option or want to add some colour to your plate, there are plenty of vegetable sides that go well with battered cod. Sauteed broccoli is a simple yet tasty option. You could also try roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or a combination of California-style frozen veggies (cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli). These options provide a good balance of flavours and textures to your meal.

Salads

Salads can be a refreshing accompaniment to battered cod. Try a restaurant-style coleslaw or a tomato salad with feta cheese and a tangy white wine vinaigrette. You could also whip up a broccoli salad with carrots, red onion, apple, pecans, and dried cranberries for a sweet and crunchy side dish.

Rice and Couscous

For a heartier meal, consider serving your battered cod with rice or couscous. Coconut jasmine rice, flavoured with coconut milk and coconut water, is a great option if you want to add a tropical twist to your dish. Alternatively, a summer vegetable couscous packed with grilled veggies and flavoured with red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning will also pair nicely with the fish.

Bread

A slice of fresh, homemade bread is always a welcome addition to any meal. Italian bread, with its fluffy texture and simple ingredients, is a great choice to soak up all the delicious flavours on your plate.

With these ideas, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal centred around battered cod.

Storing and reheating leftover cod

Storing leftover cod in the refrigerator is recommended to preserve its quality and safety. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your leftover cod stays fresh and tasty:

Storing Leftover Cod:

• Allow the cooked cod to cool down to room temperature.
• Wipe off any remaining sauces or moisture from the fish.
• Place the cod in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag designed for food storage. You can also put a paper towel or parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator, preferably within two hours of cooking. Consume the cod within 1-2 days for optimal taste and freshness.
• If you don't plan on eating the leftovers within a couple of days, you can freeze the cod for longer-term storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date, and it can be frozen for up to several months.

Reheating Leftover Cod in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380° F for about 5 minutes.
• Place the leftover cod in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there is some space between the pieces for proper air circulation.
• Cook the cod for about 3-4 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the pieces and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on it.
• After half the reheating time has passed, flip the pieces over and spray them lightly with olive oil to ensure even heating.
• If you want it crispier, you can flip the pieces again, spray with olive oil, and air fry for an additional minute.
• Once the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145° F and is heated through, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions