There are dozens of cod fish recipes floating across the internet, but this air fryer cod recipe with panko can convert even the biggest fish critics out there. Both exceptionally healthy and delicious, follow along to learn how to cook fish in an air fryer to ultimate perfection, enabling you to create nothing but 5-star cod dishes every single time.
Consider making a healthier version of a fish and chip recipe by serving it with these air fryer crinkle cut fries. Both kids and adults will love this great fish dinner!
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Introduction
Are you trying to eat healthier?
Perhaps you are looking to upgrade (and simplify) your codfish recipes by poaching or simply seeking how to cook cod fish in air fryers.
Whatever the reason, this air fried cod recipe will certainly be a game-changer for you and your family.
Delivering a golden crispy outside and a tenderized inside, it stands to reason why air frying cod is one of the best ways to cook this delicate meat. In conjunction with the panko breading, it makes for a perfectly seasoned cod dish with flavorful textures and juices in every single bite.
Step up your cod game with this amazing recipe. It is inexpensive to make, has fewer calories than fried cod, yet contains all the same incredible flavors – a dining experience that you will surely not want to lavish in just once.
You won’t believe how easy this is!
Instructions
The first thing you will want to do is preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). For reference, the one used for this air fryer cod fish recipe is the Breville Smart Oven.
While your air fryer oven is preheating, prepare the panko crumb topping.
In a shallow bowl, combine 1⁄3 cup of panko bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley, 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. As usual, salt and black pepper to taste. Set it aside for now.
Next, take 2 skinless fresh fish fillets (one pound of cod) and pat them dry with a clean, lint-free tea towel or paper towel. Though you can use any cod you like, the one used in this particular recipe is wild Atlantic cod fillets.
Once your fish fillets are nice and dry, use the back of a spoon or a pastry brush to spread the 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt across the tops of the fillets. Spread the yogurt thinly and evenly.
Next, sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture over the top of the yogurt. Press gently to adhere.
Upon completing your seasoning steps, your air fryer oven should be preheated and ready to go. If so, lightly spray your air fryer basket with a vegetable oil spray. Place your cod on the air fryer basket with the crumb side facing up.
Bake for approximately 14-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The total cooking time depends on the thickness of the cod fillets.
Transfer the golden brown and crispy cod fillets to a serving dish and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges. It can also be served with garlic yogurt or homemade tartar sauce.
Tips
- Preheating your oven ensures the panko breading becomes crispy.
- Spread the fish fillets on the air fryer basket as much as possible for sufficient airflow around all the pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
- If necessary, tucking the thinner tail ends under the cod pieces prevents it from overcooking.
- Keep in mind that the total cook time depends on the thickness of your cod fillets.
- Avoid using non-stick spray on your air fryer basket.
FAQ
Two signs that indicate doneness is when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily. However, the safest way to test for doneness is with a thermometer. The cod fillet is fully cooked when the internal temperature of the thickest part registers 145°F (63°C) [Source].
Air-fried fish can easily go from tender and flaky to tough and dry. Excessive heat, for an extended period of time, is the usual culprit. To avoid overcooking it, check your manufacturer’s instructions or website for specific recommendations.
In short, this is not the best practice. This is because the purpose of the air fryer is to promote the circulation of hot air around the food, thus air frying it. The addition of a piece of foil prevents this from happening.
Nope! Thick white fish fillets like halibut or haddock will provide you with the best results.
What should I serve with cod?
Grilled fennel or radicchio both make delicious sides. Green vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or even swiss chard are healthy and provide a wonderful contrast of color. You know what they say; you eat with your eyes first! Be sure to look at dozens of other refreshing salads or side vegetable side dishes, including these Italian roasted potatoes that pair wonderfully with cod.
More easy recipes for codfish
If you are looking for additional ways to cook cod, look at this Italian baked codfish or this baked cod with tomatoes recipe. You might also be interested in this Neapolitain acqua pazza recipe.
Tasty air fryer recipes
Are you looking for more air fryer recipes? If so, look at this air fryer eggplant, roasted cauliflower, zucchini sticks or creamer potatoes recipes. As you may have guessed, these air-fried vegetables create great sides with a wonderful nutty earthy taste.
Recipe inspiration
If at first, you don’t succeed…
Like most of you, I tried all kinds of recipes when I first got my air fryer.
Some were epic failures and I mean epic with a capital E. The recipe that still holds the number one spot is my attempt to make banana chips in the air fryer. What a mess! The bananas ended up cooking in the mesh basket before they could crisp up because I had cut them too thin.
I do plan on trying again, but in the meantime, when I have the urge, I use my oven to make my banana chip recipe.
On the other hand, this cod recipe was a total success. Basically, it’s my mom’s oreganata fish recipe with a couple of changes. First, I used panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs and coated the fish with a thin layer of Greek yogurt for the panko herb topping to stick.
Air fryers have been on the range for some time now. They are possibly one of the most dynamic appliances you can have in your kitchen.
As a dietitian and a mom, I love this appliance! Between its ability to cut down on calories and cholesterol while maintaining that lovely texture of actual fried foods, it all equates to it being an ideal cooking asset – especially when it comes to air frying cod to pure grandiosity.
Enjoy!
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THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
Ciao for now,
Maria
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The air fryer I am using is the Breville Smart Toaster Oven. If this interests you, head to my amazon store for all the details.
★★★★★ If you have made this air fryer fish recipe, I would love to hear about them in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Air Fryer Cod with Panko
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian flat-leaf parsley fresh, finely chopped
- 1-2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound fish fillets of firm white fish approximately 454 grams, skinless
- 1 tablespoon yogurt greek, plain
- salt and pepper according to taste
- lemon wedges optional
- parsley for garnishing
- vegetable oil spray for the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the panko, parsley, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Set aside.
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a clean, lint-free tea towel or paper towel.
- Use the back of a spoon or a pastry brush to spread the Greek yogurt across the tops of the fillets. Spread the yogurt thinly and evenly.
- Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture over the top of the yogurt. Press gently to adhere.
- Lightly spray your air fryer basket with a vegetable oil spray.
- Place your cod, with the crumb side facing up, on the air fryer basket.
- Bake for approximately 14-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The total cooking time depends on the thickness of the cod fillets.
- Remove and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
- OPTIONAL: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Video
Notes
- Preheating your oven ensures the panko breading becomes crispy.
- Spread out the fish fillets on the air fryer basket as much as possible for sufficient airflow around all the pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
- If necessary, tucking the thinner tail ends under the cod pieces prevents it from overcooking.
- Keep in mind that the total cook time depends on the thickness of your cod fillets.
- Avoid using non-stick spray on your airfryer basket.
Helene
This was, in point of fact, delicious! However, I tweaked it to be Keto… I used Pork Panko, sour cream (v. yogurt), and seafood seasoning (because I had it on hand).
Thank you!
Maria
My pleasure Helene! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Val
I can’t believe how crispy the exterior if this air fryer cod fish looks! Looks great!
Maria
It really is incredible! Thanks for stopping by Val!