This easy air fryer cod panko recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to make a delicious fish dinner without much fuss.
If you’ve ever wanted to create restaurant-quality crispy fish at home, but thought it was too complicated, this recipe is for you.
With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make this tasty meal.
The star of this dish is the cod, a mild-tasting fish that’s popular all over the world. Cod is known for its flaky texture and subtle flavor, making it a great choice for people who aren’t big fans of “fishy” tasting seafood.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve your crispy cod with all sorts of sides – a fresh salad, some roasted vegetables, or even just a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives the panko coating a perfectly crispy texture. Every bite is satisfyingly crunchy on the outside, while the fish inside stays moist and tender.
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means you get that crispy texture with much less oil. You’ll still get the tasty, crunchy coating you love, but with fewer calories and less fat.
Quick Cooking Time: This recipe is super fast to make. The air fryer cooks the fish in just 12-15 minutes.
Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to cooking fish or using an air fryer, this recipe is a great place to start. The steps are simple and straightforward.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cod Fillet (cut into 8-10 pieces)
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (unseasoned)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian Herbs
- 2 teaspoons Oil
- Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Cut the cod fillets into 8-10 pieces, and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Crack the eggs into a bowl. Beat them lightly. Then, place the bread crumbs into another bowl and mix them with the salt, paprika, Talian seasonings, and garlic powder.
Step 3
Preheat your air fryer to 400F.
Step 4
Dip every piece of cod fish in the egg, and then cover with the bread crumb mixture.
Step 5
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Then, place the cod in the air fryer basket and air fry for 12-15 minutes.
Step 6
Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. That’s it! enjoy this easy and tasty air fryer cod panko recipe!
Tips
1. Pat The Fish Dry
Before you start coating your cod, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This step is super important! When the fish is wet, the egg mixture won’t stick well, and then the panko coating won’t stick either.
Plus, extra moisture can make your fish steam instead of getting crispy. So take a minute to really dry off each piece of cod. It might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how crispy your final dish turns out.
2. Flip Halfway Through
For the crispiest results, flip your fish halfway through cooking. Most air fryers cook more intensely from the top, so flipping ensures both sides get equally crispy.
Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn each piece over. If you notice any spots where the coating has fallen off, you can sprinkle a bit more panko on those areas.
3. Don’t Overcrowd The Basket
It might be tempting to try to cook all your fish at once, but don’t! If you pack too much into your air fryer basket, the hot air can’t circulate properly.
This can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Instead, cook your fish in batches if needed. A single layer with a little space between each piece is ideal.
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FAQ
1. How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
Cod is fully cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you’re unsure, you can use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
The cooking time in the recipe (12-15 minutes) is a good guide, but keep in mind that the exact time might vary depending on the thickness of your fish and your specific air fryer model.
2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko is really the best choice for this recipe. Panko breadcrumbs are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which means they create a crunchier coating.
If you do use regular breadcrumbs, the texture won’t be quite as crispy, but the recipe will still work.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, you’ll need to replace the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative. You can use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, gluten-free coating.
Just make sure all your other ingredients, including any seasonings, are certified gluten-free as well.
Air Fryer Cod Panko
- 1 pound Cod Fillet (cut into 8-10 pieces) (450g)
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (unseasoned)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian Herbs
- 2 teaspoons Oil
- Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
- Cut the cod fillets into 8-10 pieces, and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Crack the eggs into a bowl. Beat them lightly. Then, place the bread crumbs into another bowl and mix them with the salt, paprika, Talian seasonings, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Dip the cod fish pieces in the egg, and then cover with the bread crumb mixture.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Then, place the cod in the air fryer basket and air fry for 12-15 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.