Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

Enjoy a crispy, cheesy twist on cod with this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe. Perfectly air-fried, it delivers a golden, flavorful crust with a tender, flaky interior.

Ingredients:

For the Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Parmesan Crust:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Garnish:

• Lemon wedges

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cod:

• Rinse the cod fillets and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.

• Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Parmesan Crust:

• In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and slightly sticky.

3. Coat the Fillets:

• Press the Parmesan mixture onto the top side of each cod fillet, creating an even layer.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

5. Cook the Cod:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Place the fillets crust-side up in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the cooked cod to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Crispier Crust: Lightly spray the breadcrumb topping with cooking spray before air frying for a crunchier texture.

• Custom Herbs: Swap parsley for thyme or dill for a different flavor profile.

• Alternative Fish: This recipe works well with halibut, snapper, or haddock.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this crispy, cheesy cod with:

• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or air-fried Brussels sprouts.

• Grains: Wild rice, mashed potatoes, or couscous.

• Salads: A mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a tomato and cucumber salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~290

• Protein: ~27g

• Carbohydrates: ~7g

• Fat: ~15g

• Fiber: ~1g

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is a simple, satisfying, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—it’s a guaranteed hit!