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- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving When making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod, you need some key ingredients. The main star is the cod fillets. They should be about 6 ounces each for the best results. The panko breadcrumbs give the dish a nice crunch. Panko is lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. This adds a great texture to your cod. You also need grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a rich, salty flavor. The seasoning is just as important. Olive oil helps the crust stick and adds flavor. Garlic powder gives a nice kick. Dried parsley adds some color and earthiness. Paprika adds a little warmth and color. As for salt and pepper, you can adjust these to your taste. Finally, lemon wedges are perfect for serving. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish and enhances the flavors. Enjoy cooking this dish; it's simple yet delicious! First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step takes about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the cod cook evenly and become crispy. Next, grab a shallow bowl. Combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it's evenly blended. This mixture will give your cod a tasty crust. Now, take your cod fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures they crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil on both sides. The oil helps the crust stick and adds flavor. After that, press the oiled fillets into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat both sides well for an even layer. Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket for the best results. Now it’s time to cook! Air fry the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. The fish should be cooked through, and the crust will turn golden brown and crispy. After cooking, carefully remove the cod from the air fryer. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the crust set. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod! To get a crispy crust on your cod, you need to start with dry fillets. Pat each cod fillet with a paper towel. This step removes moisture, helping the crust crisp up. Next, brush each fillet with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps the breadcrumbs stick. For the breadcrumb coating, I highly recommend using panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs. This makes your crust extra crunchy. Mix the panko with Parmesan and spices for added taste. When cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the fillets are too close together, they will steam instead of fry. This can lead to a soggy crust. Cook in batches if needed. Another key tip is to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker fillets will need a bit more time, while thinner ones will cook faster. Watch closely to avoid overcooking. For serving, pair your crispy cod with sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. To enhance the flavor, serve with lemon wedges. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the cod brightens it up. You can also try different lemon variations, like lemon zest or lemon-infused olive oil, for an extra kick. {{image_2}} You can add more flavor to your dish. Try mixing in fresh herbs like dill or thyme. These herbs give a bright taste. You can also spice things up with cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can add heat and excitement. This recipe works well with other fish too. Use tilapia or salmon for a tasty switch. You can even adapt the crust for chicken or vegetables. Chicken fillets would cook similarly and be just as crispy. For veggies, try slices of eggplant or zucchini. Not a fan of breadcrumbs? No problem! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a lighter option. Crushed crackers or nuts also work great. They add a nice crunch and unique taste. To store leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod, let it cool first. Place the cod in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. The cod lasts in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to keep it sealed well. This way, it won't dry out or pick up other smells from the fridge. You can also freeze cooked cod with its crispy crust. First, let it cool completely. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps protect them from freezer burn. The cod can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, reheat the cod in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the fish moist. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. Enjoy your cod just like it was freshly cooked! Yes, you can use fresh cod. Fresh cod cooks faster than frozen cod. When using fresh fish, cut the cooking time by about 2-3 minutes. This keeps the fish moist and tender. Fresh cod also has a firmer texture, which some people prefer. You can use several options for Parmesan cheese. Pecorino Romano offers a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is a good vegan option. This adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You could also try cheddar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that each cheese will change the flavor slightly. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork. The crust should be golden brown and crispy. Yes, you can use an oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the cod on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cooking time will be about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness as you go. Adjustments may be needed for even cooking. This blog post covered a delicious air fryer cod recipe. You now know the main ingredients, from cod fillets to Parmesan cheese. I showed you how to prepare the air fryer, mix the coating, and cook the fish to a crispy finish. Remember the tips for a perfect crust and serving suggestions for extra flavor. You can try different variations and adjust for your tastes. With the right storage, your leftovers will stay fresh. Enjoy making a meal that is both easy and tasty!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

Indulge in a deliciously crispy meal with this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe! Perfectly golden and packed with flavor, this easy-to-follow recipe combines cod fillets, crunchy panko, and rich Parmesan cheese for a dish that's sure to impress. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy this seafood delight. Click through to discover how to make this tasty meal and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crunchiness)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.

      Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up nicely.

        Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil on both sides; this helps the crust adhere and adds flavor.

          Press the oiled cod fillets into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well, ensuring an even layer of crust.

            Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.

              Air fry the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

                Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

                  Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the top before enjoying.

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4