Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe offers a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy cod fillets with a crunchy Parmesan-panko crust. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer, the cod remains tender inside while the crust is golden and crispy. A tangy mayonnaise and Dijon mustard mixture helps the coating stick and adds extra flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is an excellent choice for a quick, delicious dinner that’s both satisfying and impressive.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Coating
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor and improve the coating’s adherence.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, thoroughly combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend will create a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Prepare the Sauce: In another small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. This mixture helps the breading stick to the fish and adds a tangy taste.
- Coat the Fillets: Brush a generous layer of the mayo mixture onto one side of each cod fillet. Then press the mayo-coated side firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even and full coverage of the crust for a crispy texture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Air Fry the Cod: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated fillets in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy and the fish is cooked through.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cod’s internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If not fully cooked, continue air frying for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cod from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry before seasoning helps the coating stick better.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the crust cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture according to your taste preference.
- The cod fillets should be similar in size to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid under or overcooking.
Keywords: crispy cod, air fryer cod, parmesan crusted fish, healthy seafood recipe, quick fish dinner, air fryer recipe, cod fillets, parmesan panko crust
