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Air Fryer Cod

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Tender, flaky cod fillets cooked in the air fryer two ways — a lightly seasoned version ready in 12 minutes, or a crispy panko-breaded version that rivals deep-fried without the oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Simple Seasoned Cod:
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Crispy Panko-Breaded Cod:
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. If using frozen cod, thaw completely in the fridge overnight or in cold water for 30 minutes. Pat fillets extremely dry with paper towels — wet fish steams instead of crisps.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  3. Simple Seasoned: Mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a paste. Brush over both sides of each fillet, then squeeze lemon juice on top.
  4. Panko-Breaded: Set up a three-station line with flour, beaten egg, and seasoned panko. Dredge each fillet in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko. Spray both sides with cooking spray.
  5. Place fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without crowding. Cook at 400°F — 12 minutes for simple seasoned cod, or 14 minutes for panko-breaded cod.
  6. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the fish more dry than you think necessary — excess moisture prevents crisping.

Don’t crowd the basket; give each fillet space for air circulation.

Use a thin spatula (not tongs) to handle breaded fillets — cod flakes apart easily.

For panko-breaded cod, avoid lining the basket with foil and flip at the halfway point to prevent a soggy bottom.

Thinner fillets (under 1 inch) may be done at 10 minutes — check early to avoid overcooking.

Find it online: https://airfrycentral.com/air-fryer-cod-crispy-battered-or-light-and-healthy/