Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is perfectly seasoned and fired up with the help of the air fryer. In under 20 minutes, you can have a perfectly breaded piece of Parmesan Crusted Cod for dinner.

Plate of Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod fillets, golden and crispy, served with a lemon wedge and fresh parsley.
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This is a great and healthy dinner or lunch, all made with the help of your air fryer.

Enjoy a delightful Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! This quick and easy recipe features flaky cod fillets coated with a savory Parmesan crust, making it a healthy and flavorful dinner option for any night of the week.

If you love cod recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Cod,  Air Fryer Pesto Cod, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper CodAir Fryer Blackened Cod, or Panko Crusted Cod Air Fryer.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. The cod fillets are coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb mixture mixed with grated Parmesan cheese and fragrant herbes de Provence.

To ensure the coating adheres perfectly, I brush the fillets with a flavorful blend of mustard and mayonnaise before dipping them into the panko.

This not only adds an extra layer of taste but also helps lock in the moisture, keeping the fish juicy and tender during cooking. In minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have golden, crispy cod that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Ingredients Needed

  • Cod Fillets
  • Olive Oil
  • Bread Crumbs or Panko
  • Kosher Salt
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Black Pepper

How To Make Parmesan Crusted Cod In Air Fryer

Parmesan Crusted Cod in the air fryer basket.

Step One: Start by using a pastry brush and rubbing the olive oil over the fish, then season with salt and black pepper. Mix the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs in a small bowl, add the fish, using your hands to coat the fish.

Step Two: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded fish into the air fryer basket, and set the temperature to 390 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 5-7 minutes.

Check the internal temperature of the fish before removing it. It should be 145 degrees F, and it should flake easily.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod on plate.

Pro Tips For Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

  • Even Thickness: Try to choose cod fillets of consistent thickness.
  • Pat Dry: Before applying any seasoning or crust, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
  • Light Oil Spray: To get a golden-brown crust without deep frying, lightly spray the cod with cooking spray before air frying.
  • Fresh vs. Pre-grated Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-grated variety.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • Mid-Cooking Shake or Flip: Halfway through cooking, gently shake the basket or use a spatula to flip the cod.
  • Keep an Eye on Time: Cod cooks fairly quickly in an air fryer. Depending on the thickness, it may only take 10-15 minutes.
  • Internal Temperature: The cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked.
  • Use Panko for Extra Crunch: If you want a crunchier crust, consider mixing the Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs.
  • Seasonings: Don’t forget to season the cod fillets with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings before applying the Parmesan crust.
  • Serving Immediately: Serve the cod immediately after air frying to enjoy its crispy texture. Over time, the crust can become soggy, especially if covered or stored in a container.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod on cutting board.

Air fryer parmesan crusted cod recipe faqs

How do I know when my cod is fully cooked? Cod is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should flake easily with a fork, and its color should be opaque.

Why did my Parmesan crust not stick to the cod? Make sure your cod fillets are patted dry and that you’ve pressed the crust mixture onto the fish firmly. Also, avoid moving or flipping the fish too much during cooking.

Can I store leftover Parmesan-crusted cod? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore some of the crust’s crunch.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko? Yes, you can. Panko offers a lighter, crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs can also work in this recipe.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer? Some models recommend preheating, while others do not. It’s a good idea to consult your air fryer’s manual, but preheating can result in better browning of the crust.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, substitute the panko or breadcrumbs with a gluten-free variety and ensure all other ingredients used are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the cod from sticking to the air fryer basket? Lightly oil the basket or use air fryer parchment paper liners designed to handle high temperatures.

Serving Suggestions

I personally love a great big salad with mine, but if you are looking for an alternative, here are some of my favorites–

Equipment Used

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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is perfectly seasoned and fired up with the help of the air fryer. In under 20 minutes, you can have a perfectly breaded piece of Parmesan Crusted Cod for dinner.

Ingredients 

  • 2 pieces Cod Fillets, about 4 ounces each
  • 2-3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs , or Panko
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Start by using a pastry brush and rubbing the olive oil over the fish, then season with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs, add the fish, using your hands to coat the fish.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded fish into the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 390 degrees F, air fryer setting for 5-7 minutes.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 8gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 1562mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 101IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 201mgIron: 2mg

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