Description
Crispy, golden air fryer cod fillets with a light panko coating that stays crunchy. This quick, healthy weeknight dinner takes less than 10 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds center-cut cod fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs and a tablespoon of water, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt.
- Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg wash, and finally press firmly into the panko mixture to ensure a thick, even coat.
- Let coated fillets rest on a plate for 5 minutes to allow the coating to set.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange fillets in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Spray tops of fillets generously with oil.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes, then gently flip fillets.
- Spray other side with oil and cook for another 4-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and fish flakes easily.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure fish is completely dry before dredging to prevent breading from sliding off. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. If fillets are thick, cook for the full 10 minutes; if thin, check at 8 minutes. For gluten-free, use GF flour and panko. For low-carb, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 4-
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: air fryer cod, crispy fish, healthy dinner, quick meals, seafood recipes, air fryer fish, cod fillets, weeknight dinner