Craving a crispy, golden-brown fish dinner? Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is the answer! This easy recipe gives you perfectly cooked cod with a crispy Parmesan crust, all without the deep frying. It’s the ideal healthy, flavorful meal that’s ready in just minutes!
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful seafood dish. The cod fillets are coated in a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, which creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender inside.
With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, this recipe cooks up in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a complete, satisfying meal that’s both light and savory!
If you love cod recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Cod, Air Fryer Pesto Cod, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Cod, Air Fryer Blackened Cod, or Panko Crusted Cod Air Fryer.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy, golden crust with a tender fish interior.
- Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes.
- Healthy, low-calorie meal with minimal oil used.
- Perfectly seasoned for a savory, flavorful bite.
- Air fryer makes clean-up quick and simple.
Ingredients Needed
- Cod Fillets: Fresh, flaky, tender white fish.
- Olive Oil: Rich, smooth, healthy cooking oil.
- Bread Crumbs or Panko: Crunchy, golden, perfect breading option.
- Kosher Salt: Coarse, flavorful, enhances seasoning taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Aged, nutty, savory cheese topping.
- Black Pepper: Bold, aromatic, mildly spicy seasoning. Pepper
How To Make Parmesan Crusted Cod In Air Fryer
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.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe Tips
- 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.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure the fillets are cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain their texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, but note that the texture may change slightly after reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the cod in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes or until heated through, maintaining the crispy crust. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
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 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.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it with a light and refreshing salad, such as a crisp Caesar or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the fish.
For a heartier option, roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or baby potatoes complement the crispy crust wonderfully.
You could also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a creamy risotto to complete the meal, offering a delicious contrast in textures and flavors.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Publix Breakfast Bread Recipe
- Demos Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
- Instant Pot Olive Garden Cream of Tomato and Basil Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken And Noodles With Cream Of Mushroom Soup
- Copycat Instant Pot Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup
- Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
- Ninja Foodi Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Copycat Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Soup
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod
Description
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
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KyLynn Slayton
WoW!!! Very tasty, tender and juicy! I shredded some Gouda cheese and substituted it for Parmesan. Made some homemade tartar sauce to go with it. Quick and easy, so this will definitely be how I make fish from here on out. Can’t wait to try it with fresh Parmesan.
Thanks for the great recipe!!!