Crispy, golden, and absolutely delicious—this Air Fryer Panko Cod is the perfect way to enjoy a light and flaky fish with a satisfying crunch! With a simple seasoning blend and a crunchy panko coating, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality fried cod without the grease. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a healthier fish fry alternative!
Air Fryer Panko Cod is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers perfectly crispy fish with minimal effort. Coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture, each fillet turns golden brown on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
Using the air fryer eliminates the need for excess oil, making this a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish. (Perfect for a Friday Fish Fry!)
Whether served with tartar sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or alongside your favorite sides, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthier take on a seafood favorite.
If you are looking for more fish recipes, here are some of my favorites: Homemade Air Fryer Fish Sticks and, of course, being a New England Gal, one of my favorites, Air Fryer Lobster Grilled Cheese.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy, golden coating without deep frying.
- Quick and easy 15-minute seafood dinner.
- Light, flaky cod with a crunchy texture.
- Healthier alternative to traditional fried fish.
- Perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or meals.
So, if you are looking for some easy air fryer recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER EASY CHICKEN TENDERS, AIR FRYER SHAKE N’ BAKE STYLE FRIED CHICKEN, AIR FRYER PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CALZONES and AIR FRYER PATTY MELT.
Ingredients Needed
- Cod Fillets: The star of the dish, cod provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a flaky texture ideal for the crispy panko coating.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the cod.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting of flour helps the egg wash adhere to the fish, ensuring an even and crispy panko coating. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Eggs: Act as the binding agent between the fish and its panko crust.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko bread crumbs give the cod its signature crispy texture.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and color to the crust.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the crust with a savory, aromatic quality that complements the cod’s mild taste.
How To Make Air Fryer Panko Cod
Step One: Start by drying off the cod fillets with paper towels—season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Two: In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with paprika and garlic powder, mixing well.
Step Three: Lightly coat each cod fillet in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip next into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press the fillet into the panko mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step Five: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, or after preheating, add a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of the air fryer basket. Place the breaded fish fillets in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch for proper air circulation. Spray the tops of the fillets lightly with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to help achieve a golden color.
Step Six: Set cook time for 10-15 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Flipping the fillets during cooking is unnecessary, but you can if you desire an even crispier coating.
Step Seven: Carefully remove the panko-crusted cod from the air fryer. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Air Fryer Panko Cod Recipe Tips
- Pat the Cod Dry: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures the coating sticks better and helps the fish cook evenly.
- Even Coating: For the best crispy texture, make sure the cod fillets are evenly coated in the flour, egg, and panko mixture. Press the panko crumbs gently to stick.
- Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the fillets and the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. This helps the panko crust become golden and crispy without sticking.
- Air Fry at the Right Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This ensures the cod cooks quickly and evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Space out the fillets to ensure proper air circulation for even cooking and crispy results.
- Check for Doneness: Cod cooks quickly, so check for doneness by using a fork to see if it flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Optional Flip: Although flipping the fillets is optional, doing so halfway through can result in an even crispier crust on both sides.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Panko Cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to let the fish cool completely before refrigerating.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked cod fillets on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent the fillets from sticking together.
- Reheating: Reheat the cod in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to crisp it back up. You can also reheat it in a microwave, but it won’t be as crispy.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Panko Cod
Air Fryer Panko Cod pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Serve it with a refreshing salad, such as a crisp Caesar or a tangy coleslaw, to complement the crunchy fish.
For a heartier option, roasted vegetables like asparagus or sweet potatoes make a delicious accompaniment. Additionally, pairing it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes can add a comforting touch to the meal. A squeeze of lemon and a side of tartar sauce will elevate the flavors even further, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Air Fryer Cod Panko Recipe
Can I use frozen cod fillets directly in the air fryer? It’s best to thaw frozen cod fillets before using them in this recipe to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? While panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their light and airy texture, you can use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch. Keep in mind that the coating might be denser and less crispy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Is it necessary to flip the cod fillets during cooking? Flipping is not strictly necessary due to the air fryer’s circulation, but turning the fillets halfway through the cooking time can promote an even crispier coating on all sides.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking? Press the panko mixture firmly onto the fish to help it adhere, and avoid handling the fillets too much once they’re breaded. Using cooking spray also helps the breading to “set” and stick to the fillets.
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe? Yes, this recipe is versatile. Feel free to use different types of firm white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut for similar delicious results.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked? The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The coating should also be golden brown and crispy.
Can I cook more than one fillet in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook multiple fillets simultaneously, provided they fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. This ensures proper air circulation and even cooking.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
- AIR FRYER LOBSTER CAKES
- AIR FRYER FISH RECIPE (AIR FRYER TILAPIA)
- EASY AIR FRYER ALMOND CRUSTED COD
- AIR FRYER CRAWFISH CAKES
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Air Fryer Panko Cod
Description
Ingredients
- 4 Cod Fillets, Thawed and pat dry if previously frozen
- 1 Large Egg
- ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, Optional
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with paprika and garlic powder, mixing well.
- Lightly coat each cod fillet in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip next into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press the fillet into the panko mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures a quick and even cooking process.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded cod fillets in the basket, making sure they don’t touch to allow for proper air circulation. Spray the tops of the fillets lightly with cooking spray to help achieve a golden color.
- Air fry the cod for about 10-12 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. There’s no need to flip the fillets during cooking, but you can if you desire an even crispier coating.
- Carefully remove the panko-crusted cod from the air fryer. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve your Panko-Crusted Cod hot, accompanied by your favorite sides, such as a light salad, steamed vegetables, or tartar sauce and lemon wedges for an added zest.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Nutrition
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Paulette
Loved everything about this recipe. Easy to prepare and a great alternative to deep frying.