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A perfectly golden, crispy coating surrounds tender, flaky cod in this air fryer masterpiece. This method creates restaurant-quality fish that's both healthy and delicious, transforming regular cod fillets into a meal your family will request again and again.
The first time I tried cooking cod in my air fryer, I was amazed at how the circulating air created that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. No more lost chunks between grill slates or fish sticking to pans!
Essential Ingredients
- Fresh or Frozen Cod: Pat completely dry before starting
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Essential for ultimate crispiness
- Quality Parmesan: Adds perfect savory notes
Detailed Instructions
- 1. Initial Preparation:
- Pat cod fillets completely dry. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls for breading. Have air fryer ready to go. Preheat to 400°F.
- 2. Breading Process:
- First bowl: Plain flour. Second bowl: Beaten eggs with salt. Third bowl: Panko, Parmesan, Old Bay, garlic powder. Use one hand for wet ingredients, and the other for dry ingredients.
- 3. Cooking Method:
- Spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Place breaded fillets without crowding. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F. Carefully flip fish. Continue 3-5 minutes until done.
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Temperature and Timing Control
The key to perfect air fryer cod lies in proper temperature management. Too hot, and the coating burns before the fish cooks; too cool, and you lose that crucial crispiness. Through testing, I've found that 400°F provides the perfect balance, creating golden-brown coating while ensuring tender fish inside.
Storage and Reheating
- Cool completely before refrigerating
- Keep in airtight container
- Use within 2-3 days
- Reheat in air fryer
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Perfect Pairings
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Homemade tartar sauce
- Crispy french fries
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix dry coating ingredients
- Set up breading station
- Have sauces ready
- Thaw fish if frozen
This Air Fryer Parmesan Cod recipe transforms simple fish into a crispy, flavorful meal that rivals any restaurant version. Whether you're trying to eat healthier or just love good fish, this method delivers perfect results every time. The combination of panko crunch and tender fish creates a dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when the cod is done?
- The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees and fish should flake easily with a fork.
- → Can I use frozen cod?
- Yes, but make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before breading.
- → Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
- Yes, you can replace it with extra Panko breadcrumbs for a dairy-free version.
- → Why is my coating not crispy?
- Make sure to spray with olive oil and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- → Can I use different fish?
- Yes, this recipe works well with other white fish like haddock or pollock.