Enjoy crispy, golden Air Fryer Cod with this easy and flavorful recipe! Tender cod filets, coated in a crunchy panko breading and seasoned to perfection, make for a healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Golden: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy coating without excess oil.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Delicious: A lean protein option that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
- Versatile Serving: Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients
- Cod Filets: Provides a tender, flaky protein base.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of the cod.
- Flour: Creates a base for the breading.
- Large Eggs: Acts as a binder for the breading.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides a crispy, crunchy coating.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breading.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil Spray: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cod
Season the cod filets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and salt, and one with panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Bread the Cod
Dip each cod filet in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the panko mixture, ensuring even coating.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cod
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded cod filets in the basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the fish and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Even Seasoning: Season the cod evenly on both sides for balanced flavor.
- Thorough Breading: Ensure the cod is fully coated in each step of the breading process.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the cod in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Crispy Coating: Flip the cod halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cod

- Side Dish: Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa.
- Fish Tacos: Flake the cooked cod and use it as a filling for fish tacos.
- Salad Topping: Add to salads for a protein boost.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a squeeze of fresh citrus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, thaw the cod completely before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, other flaky white fish like tilapia or haddock can be used. Adjust cooking times as needed.
3. Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko bread crumbs provide a crispier coating.
4. Can I add other seasonings to the breading?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes for heat or other herbs like thyme or parsley.
Print
Air Fryer Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Cod recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown fish with a tender, flaky interior, all with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to perfection, this cod is a healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in minutes. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod filets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Season the Cod: Season 1 pound cod filets with salt and pepper to taste on both sides.
- Prepare Breading Station: Create a breading station for the cod by gathering 3 bowls. Add ½ cup flour to the first bowl. Dip each cod filet in the flour first.
- Egg Dip: Whisk together 2 large eggs and ½ teaspoon salt in the second bowl. Then dip the floured filet in the egg mixture.
- Panko Coating: Combine 1 cup panko bread crumbs, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder in the third bowl. Dip each egg-coated filet in the panko mixture.
- Air Fry: Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with olive oil spray, then place the breaded filets in the basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the fish and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- For extra crispy coating, spray the breaded cod filets with olive oil spray before air frying.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your cod filets.
- Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- You can use other white fish such as haddock or tilapia.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 300kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg