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Crispy and flaky air fryer cod served with lemon and herbs

Best Damn Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Cod

This air fryer cod recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with a light and flaky texture, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cod
  • 4 pieces cod fillets Fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs For a crispy coating
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour For dredging
  • 1 large egg Beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds flavor
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Adds color and flavor
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
  • Cooking spray or olive oil For greasing the air fryer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko combined with garlic powder and paprika.
Coating
  1. Dredge each cod fillet in flour, dip in the egg, then coat in the panko mixture.
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated cod fillets in the basket without overcrowding.
  3. Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Cooking
  1. Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, make sure to pat the cod dry before seasoning to help the coating stick better. Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking. For an extra flavorful crust, add more spices to the panko or try different herbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.