Air-Fryer Breaded Cod: A Quick, Crispy Delight

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook fish, look no further than air fryer breaded cod. This method of cooking fish is a game-changer and will change the way you eat fish. With a golden and crunchy exterior and a tender, flaky interior, air fryer cod is a healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried options without compromising on taste and texture. It's also extremely versatile and can be served with anything from tartar sauce to lemon wedges, or used in fish tacos or sandwiches.

Choosing and preparing the cod fillets

When choosing cod fillets, you can opt for fresh or frozen. If using frozen, ensure the fish is properly defrosted before cooking. Even thawing is crucial to ensure the fish cooks correctly. If the cod is cooked from frozen, it may be undercooked on the inside and overcooked on the outside. It may also be dry and chewy in some spots.

To prepare the cod fillets, first, pat them dry with paper towels. This will help to remove excess moisture, allowing for better browning. If you are using fresh fish, it is a good idea to check that it is firm, fresh, and has a light, clean scent.

Next, season the fillets. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add garlic powder and paprika for a smoky flavour. You could also try Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, thyme, oregano, or parsley.

Now your cod fillets are ready for coating and breading!

Seasoning the fillets

Before seasoning, it is important to pat the fillets dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a crispy texture during cooking. It also ensures that the seasoning adheres well to the fish.

For a simple yet delicious seasoning, you can use just salt and pepper. Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. You can also add garlic powder to this mixture for an extra kick of flavour.

If you want to explore more complex seasonings, paprika is an excellent option. Smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky aroma and flavour to the cod. You can also try Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning, which is a unique blend of herbs and spices that pairs beautifully with cod.

Additionally, you can season your cod fillets with a mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley. These herbs complement the fish's flavour and can be added before or after cooking. If you prefer spicy food, consider adding red pepper flakes or chilli powder to your seasoning mix.

When seasoning your cod fillets, don't be afraid to experiment and combine different spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour profile. Remember, seasoning is a crucial step in elevating the taste of your air fryer breaded cod.

Coating and breading the fillets

To coat and bread the cod fillets, start by lightly dusting your fish with all-purpose flour. Be sure to pat the fillets dry with paper towels and season them first. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will do, but you can also experiment with Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, thyme, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, or chilli powder.

Next, dip each fillet in whisked eggs. You can whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

Finally, coat the fillets generously in Panko breadcrumbs, making sure to press the breadcrumbs into the fish gently. You can add some extra flavour to the breadcrumbs by mixing in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This three-step breading method keeps the fish moist while creating a delicate, crispy crust.

Cooking the cod in the air fryer

Now that you've prepared your cod fillets, it's time to cook them in the air fryer!

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Most recipes recommend preheating for about 5 minutes. You should also spray the bottom of your basket with olive oil or another type of oil. This will help to ensure that your cod doesn't stick to the basket and will also help to make it crispy.

Next, place your breaded cod fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch. This is important because if the fillets touch, they may not cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cod in batches.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the cod. Cook the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cod is ready when it is golden brown, crispy, and flaky on the inside. You can check this by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently pulling it apart to see if it flakes. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod. It should reach 145°F (63°C) to be safe to consume.

And that's it! Your air fryer cod is now ready to be served and enjoyed.

Storing and reheating the cod

Storing and reheating your breaded cod is a simple process. If you have any leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. It is recommended to let the cod cool down before storing it, to prevent condensation inside the container.

When you are ready to reheat your cod, the air fryer is the best option, as it will retain the crispy texture much better than a microwave. Simply place the cod back into the air fryer at 350°F for around five minutes, or until heated through. It won't be as crunchy as when it was first cooked, but it will still taste delicious!

Frequently asked questions