Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod features fresh cod fillets generously coated with a crunchy Parmesan-panko crust, brightened with lemon zest and finished with a buttery parsley drizzle. Quick and easy to prepare in the air fryer, this dish delivers a perfect balance of crispy texture and delicate, flaky fish—ideal for a flavorful dinner or elegant brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Parmesan Coating
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Seasonings & Garnish
- 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
- Preparing the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps ensure the coating sticks well and stays crispy. Lightly brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the fish’s natural sweetness.
- Making the Parmesan Crust: In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a flavorful coating that will crisp up when cooked.
- Coating the Fillets: Press each cod fillet firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring a uniform crust that will adhere during cooking. Place the coated fillets on a plate and allow them to rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the coating binds tightly to the fish.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This hot environment is essential for achieving a crispy, golden crust quickly.
- Air Frying the Cod: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated fillets in a single layer without overlapping, ensuring good air circulation. Air fry for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each fillet with a spatula and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. The cod should be opaque and flake easily, with a deep amber and crispy crust.
- Finishing Touches: While the cod rests for 2 minutes, whisk together the melted butter with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle this bright, buttery sauce over the hot fillets, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh citrus lift.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are thoroughly dried before coating to avoid sogginess.
- Press the Parmesan-panko coating firmly onto the fish for a durable crust.
- Preheat the air fryer for better crust formation and cooking consistency.
- Use a light cooking spray on the basket to promote an even golden crust.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent steaming and loss of crispiness.
- Check cod internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the crunchy texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Keywords: Cod recipe, Parmesan crust, Air fryer fish, Crispy cod, Easy seafood dinner, Parmesan-panko coating, Lemon zest seafood, Air fryer recipes
