Air-Fried Cod: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryer cod is a simple, tasty, and healthy dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. The air fryer cooks the fish without making it greasy, and the breading stays intact during the cooking process. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it requires simple ingredients and is easy to make. The cod comes out tender on the inside with a crispy breaded layer on the outside.

Choosing the right oil

When making fried cod in an air fryer, the type of oil you use is important. The right oil will ensure your food doesn't stick to the basket, help it retain moisture, and give it a crispy texture.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should never use non-stick spray in an air fryer. This can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket and make it unsafe for use.

Instead, opt for a non-aerosolized, non-processed cooking spray. This will evenly distribute the oil and prevent chipping or damage to the air fryer surface.

The best oil to use will depend on the temperature you are cooking at and the type of food you are preparing. Here are some oils that work well with air fryers:

• Olive oil: This is a good option for foods cooked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or below. It has a smoke point of 468 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Canola oil: Canola oil is suitable for cooking below 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Baking spray: For sweet treats, a baking spray can be used for frying below 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a smoke point of 420 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is suitable for cooking up to this temperature.
• Avocado oil: With a smoke point of 520 degrees Fahrenheit, avocado oil is a good choice for dishes prepared at high temperatures.

When using oil in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat the air fryer for 2-4 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
• Pull out the basket and spray oil onto any area that will touch the food. Then, lightly spray the food itself.
• Check halfway through the cooking process to see if your food needs more oil. You can give it another light spray if it looks dry or burnt.

Using oil is optional when making fried cod in an air fryer, but it can help to create a crispy texture.

Preparing the fish

You can use fresh or frozen cod for this recipe, but if you're using frozen, make sure it's fully thawed before cooking. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel—this will help the coating stick better. You can cut the fish into strips or smaller pieces, or leave the fillets whole.

Next, set up three bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, add plain flour and any seasonings you want—you could try paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, Italian seasoning, or cajun seasoning. In the second bowl, whisk an egg. In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs—regular or panko, which are larger and absorb less moisture, resulting in a better crust. You can also add grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Now you're ready to start breading the fish. Take each piece of cod and dip it first into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Make sure the fish is fully coated at each stage.

Breading the fish

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Create a breading station with three separate bowls. In the first bowl, add plain flour. You can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative. The second bowl will contain beaten eggs. For the final bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and your choice of seasonings. For breadcrumbs, panko is highly recommended for a crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs can also be used. As for seasonings, you can use a combination of old bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick.

Step 2: Dredge the Fish

Take each piece of cod and coat it evenly with the flour mixture. Using one hand for this step can help manage the mess. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured cod into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Finally, with your dry hand, press the cod firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the breadcrumbs adhere to all sides of the fish.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with oil. This step helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking. Place the breaded cod pieces into the basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Leave some space between the pieces to allow for proper air circulation during cooking.

Step 4: Spray the Fish with Oil

Lightly spray both sides of the breaded cod with oil. This step will enhance the crispiness of the crust and help seal in the flavours.

Tips for Breading:

• Use one hand for dipping the fish into the wet mixtures (flour and egg) and the other hand for pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish. This will help keep one hand relatively dry and manage the mess.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the cod in batches if needed to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Before breading, pat the cod dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial, as too much moisture can result in soggy breadcrumbs instead of a crispy crust.

Cooking the fish

Now that you've gathered and prepared all your ingredients, it's time to cook the fish!

Firstly, set up three bowls for dredging: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs (and any additional spices you wish to include).

Pat the fish dry with a paper towel, then dip each piece of fish into the flour, followed by the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Ensure the fish is evenly coated at each stage.

Place the coated fish on a plate or baking sheet while you repeat this process with the remaining pieces.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about five minutes. During this time, you can prepare the air fryer basket by lightly spraying or brushing it with oil.

Once preheated, place the fish in the basket, ensuring the pieces are not touching, as this will affect the cooking process. Spritz or brush the fish with oil.

Now, it's time to air fry! Cook the fish for about 10-15 minutes at 400°F, turning halfway through. The fish is done when it is crispy and golden, and its flesh flakes easily with a fork.

If you're unsure whether the fish is cooked to your liking, you can always return it to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

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

Serving suggestions

Air fryer cod is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fish and Chips: This is a classic combination and a great way to enjoy your air fryer cod. Serve it with some crispy french fries and tartar sauce on the side. You can also make oven-baked fries or sweet potato fries for a healthier option.
• Tacos: Flaky air fryer cod makes a delicious filling for tacos. You can serve it on its own or with some salsa, lime wedges, and your favourite taco toppings.
• Salad: The mild flavour of cod goes well in salads. Try mixing it with some greens, vegetables, and a light dressing. You can also add some croutons or crispy tortilla strips for texture.
• Sandwiches: Air fryer cod is a great option for sandwiches or fish burgers. Serve it on a soft bun with some tartar sauce, coleslaw, and lettuce. You can also add a slice of cheese and toast the bun for a melt.
• With Sides: Air fryer cod can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, steamed veggies, vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
• Lemon and Herbs: A squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten up the flavour of your air fryer cod.
• Sauces: Try serving your air fryer cod with different sauces like tartar sauce, malt vinegar, ranch, yum yum sauce, or a simple squeeze of lemon.

Remember, air fryer cod is best served fresh and crispy, so if you're making a large batch, you might want to cook it in batches to ensure everything stays warm and crispy.

Frequently asked questions