Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender cod with a golden, flavorful crust. This recipe combines a cheesy breadcrumb coating with a tangy mayo-mustard sauce for a perfectly crispy finish using your air fryer.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Step 4: Brush a generous layer of the mayo mixture onto one side of each cod fillet. Press the coated side firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly covered.
5. Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated fillets in the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cod is cooked through.
7. Step 7: Check that the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F (63°C). If not, air fry for another 1-2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the cod from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free without losing the crispy texture.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a hint of heat.
• Try swapping Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard for a different tangy profile.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the fillets on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-18 minutes.

Storage

Store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fish instead of cod?

Yes, firm white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia work well with this recipe and will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Do I need to oil the fish before coating?

Brushing the fillets with the mayo mixture provides enough moisture and fat to help the coating adhere and crisp up, so additional oil is not necessary.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 757 reviews

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky cod fillets with a golden, crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating. Using the air fryer allows for a healthier, faster cooking method that yields a deliciously crispy crust without excess oil. The tangy mayo-Dijon sauce helps the crust stick and adds flavor, while fresh parsley garnish brightens the dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy, elegant dinner option perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Fish and Coating

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
2. Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will create a flavorful crust.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and uniform. This sauce will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the fish and add tangy richness.
4. Coat the Fillets: Brush a generous layer of the mayo mixture onto one side of each cod fillet. Then, press that coated side firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating for a crispy crust.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature and a crispy finish.
6. Air Fry the Cod: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated fillets in the basket without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the cod is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden and crispy.
7. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If needed, continue air frying for an extra 1-2 minutes for thorough cooking.
8. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

• Patting the cod dry is key to achieving a crispy crust in the air fryer.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley flakes can be used as a substitute.
• Adjust seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste preference.
• This recipe works well with other white fish like haddock or tilapia.
• For a lower fat version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, though it may slightly alter the crust texture.

Keywords: cod recipe, air fryer fish, crispy parmesan crusted cod, easy air fryer recipes, healthy fish dinner