Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod Recipe
This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe features tender cod fillets coated in a flavorful Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, enhanced with lemon zest and garlic powder. Cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, the fish remains moist inside with a crunchy exterior. Finished with a drizzle of lemony melted butter and fresh parsley, this dish offers a perfect balance of rich, nutty, and bright flavors for an easy, elegant seafood meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
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 with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick and prevents sogginess. 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 flavors.
- Making the Parmesan Crust: In a shallow dish, mix together grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. This mixture will form a crunchy, cohesive crust as the Parmesan melts slightly during cooking.
- Coating the Fillets: Press each seasoned cod fillet firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring a uniform and well-adhered coating. Place the coated fillets on a plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the crust to bind firmly to the fish.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment that promotes browning and crispness.
- Air Frying the Cod: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the cod fillets in a single layer without overlapping to avoid steaming. Air fry for 6 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets with a spatula and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the coating is deep golden and the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Finishing Touches: While the cod rests for 2 minutes, whisk melted unsalted butter with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle this lemon butter over the hot fillets, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness and richness.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry is crucial for a crispy crust.
- Pressing the coating firmly helps it adhere during cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor uplift.
- Let the fish rest briefly after cooking to retain juiciness.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed for a gluten-free diet.
Keywords: cod recipe, air fryer fish, Parmesan crusted cod, crispy cod, easy seafood dinner, lemon butter fish, cod fillets, panko crust
