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- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons melted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil When making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod, start with the right main ingredients. Cod fillets are important because they provide a mild, flaky base. Panko breadcrumbs add a great crunch. Parmesan cheese brings a nutty flavor that makes everything taste better. Next, we need seasoning and coating. Garlic powder and onion powder give a savory kick. Dried parsley adds freshness, while paprika gives a nice color and warmth. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. Binding ingredients help the coating stick. Melted butter makes the outside crispy. Olive oil adds richness that enhances the taste. Mixing these two creates a perfect base for coating the cod. Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting a crispy crust. In a large bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This mix gives the cod its tasty crust. In a small bowl, blend the melted butter and olive oil. Take each cod fillet and dip it into this mixture. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Next, dredge the fillets in the breadcrumb mix. Press down lightly so the coating sticks nicely. Place the coated cod fillets in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway through. They are done when golden brown and the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). After cooking, gently take the fillets out of the air fryer. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the fish juicy. Serve the cod on a plate with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal! To get that lovely crunch, focus on your coating technique. First, dip the cod in the butter and oil mix. Make sure it’s fully coated. This helps the breadcrumbs stick well. Next, dredge the fillets in the breadcrumb mix. Press down gently so the coating sticks. Avoid putting too many fillets in the air fryer at once. If you overcrowd the basket, the air can’t flow well. This can lead to soggy fish instead of crispy cod. Cook in batches if needed for the best result. You can take the dish to the next level by adding spices or herbs. Consider a pinch of cayenne for heat or a dash of lemon zest for brightness. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can add a nice twist. Feel free to experiment with flavors you love. Keep an eye on the cod while it cooks. The right temperature is 400°F (200°C). Cooking time should be about 10-12 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway for even cooking. They are done when golden brown and reach an internal temp of 145°F (63°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked, juicy meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cod: Fresh cod fillets will provide a better flavor and texture than frozen ones. If possible, buy your fish from a trusted local fishmonger. Customize the Coating: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture, such as cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for added flavor. Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your fillets. Always check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let it Rest: Allow the cod to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moister fillet. {{image_4}} You can switch cod for other fish or seafood. Try tilapia, haddock, or even shrimp. Each option brings a unique flavor. Tilapia is mild and flaky, making it a great choice. Haddock has a slightly stronger taste. Shrimp offers a sweet, juicy bite. Each protein works well with the same crispy coating. If you want a gluten-free meal, use almond flour or crushed cornflakes. Almond flour gives a nice nutty taste. Crushed cornflakes add extra crunch. Both options will create a delicious crust. Just use them in place of panko breadcrumbs in the recipe. You can spice things up with different flavors. Add cayenne pepper for heat, or mix in lemon zest for brightness. You can also swap Parmesan for other cheeses. Try cheddar or mozzarella for a different twist. Each change adds a new layer of taste to this dish. To keep your leftover cod fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the cod's flavor and texture. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Reheat cod in the air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. You can also use the oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish soggy. To freeze cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat it in the air fryer for a delicious meal. Cooking cod in an air fryer takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Factors that affect cooking time include the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model. A thicker fillet may need a bit more time. Always check for a golden brown crust and an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness. Yes, you can use fresh cod fillets. Fresh fillets often taste better and have a firmer texture. When using fresh fish, look for bright, clear eyes and shiny skin. This ensures you get the best quality. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if your fillets are thicker than frozen ones. You can serve Parmesan crusted cod with many side dishes for a complete meal. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - A fresh, light salad with lemon vinaigrette - Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes - Rice or quinoa for a hearty side These sides will balance the flavors of the cod and make your meal more enjoyable. This blog post covers how to make delicious Parmesan crusted cod in an air fryer. You learned about the key ingredients, seasoning, and binding elements. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect cooking and tips for crispiness. You can also explore variations, like swapping proteins or adjusting spices. By following these guidelines, you will create a tasty dish your family will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find what works best for you!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

A delicious and crispy cod fillet coated with a flavorful Parmesan and panko crust, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets cod (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring it reaches the desired temperature for optimal cooking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.
  • In a separate small bowl, pour in the melted butter and olive oil. Mix these two together until they're well blended.
  • Take each cod fillet and dip it into the butter and olive oil mixture, making sure that each piece is evenly coated for the best flavor and crispiness.
  • Afterwards, dredge each fillet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the panko and Parmesan coating adheres well to the fish.
  • Carefully arrange the coated cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd or overlap the fillets for even cooking.
  • Cook the cod in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking time. They're ready when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  • Once cooked, gently remove the fillets from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

For a wholesome meal, consider pairing with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing light salad.
Keyword air fryer, cod, healthy, Parmesan, seafood