Name: Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

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Introduction

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod combines tender, flaky fish with a golden, crunchy crust. Enhanced by bright lemon zest and a buttery parsley drizzle, it’s a quick and flavorful option for any dinner or special brunch.

Four pieces of crispy golden-brown breaded fish with white flaky inside are placed on a wooden board. Each fish piece is topped with finely chopped fresh green parsley. In the back, there is a white lemon wedge and some pale-yellow fries. The scene is on a white marbled surface with soft natural light coming from a window. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly blended.
Step 3: Press each cod fillet firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place the coated fillets on a plate and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes to help the crust adhere.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the fillets in a single layer without overcrowding.
Step 5: Air fry the cod for 6 minutes. Carefully flip each fillet and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily, and the crust is golden brown.
Step 6: While the cod rests for 2 minutes, whisk melted butter with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle this butter sauce over the fillets, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

Pat the fish dry thoroughly before coating to ensure a crisp crust.
Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the fillets for a uniform coating that sticks well.
Preheat the air fryer to achieve a golden, crunchy crust quickly.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the coating for a subtle smoky flavor.
For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil instead of butter for the finishing drizzle.
Try swapping cod with haddock, pollock, or shrimp for different seafood variations.

Storage

Allow leftover cod to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. To reheat and restore crispiness, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or in the air fryer at 375°F for about 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid drying out. Add a splash of lemon-butter sauce before serving.

How to Serve

Four pieces of golden brown crusted fish sit on a wooden board with crispy textured tops covered in small dark brown and bright orange crunchy crumbs, layered over moist white flaky fish beneath. Fresh chopped green parsley is sprinkled over each piece and around the board, adding a bright contrast. Behind the fish, a wedge of lemon and a serving of golden curly fries are placed. The scene is set on a white marbled texture surface with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the coating ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the Parmesan and panko coating in advance and store it in an airtight container for a day or two. This saves time when you’re ready to cook.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the coated fillets in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.