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You are here: Home / Air Fryer Recipes / Air Fryer Cod

Air Fryer Cod

April 22, 2021 Updated: March 22, 2024 By Leanne 10 Comments

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If you love crispy, breaded fish fillets, you’ll love this Air Fryer Cod recipe with a panko crust and zero oil. Pair this crispy cod with air fryer potato wedges for the ultimate healthy fish and chips!

We love to use the air fryer to get ultra crispy food without using a lot of oil. This chicken schnitzel and pork schnitzel are staples for us on busy weeknights, and these chicken bites and chicken patties are super crispy and delicious!

Close up of crispy breaded cod in a bowl with wedge fries.

Why you’ll love this panko breaded cod recipe

  • It’s tender, flakey and ultra crispy
  • Oil-free so it’s not greasy like deep-fried battered fish.
  • Super flavourful with basic seasonings.

Details on the ingredients

Cod fillets – You’ll need one pound of cod for this recipe. My cod pieces were about 1-inch thick. Depending on the thickness of your cod, you should be able to get 3-4 pieces from one pound.

Flour – I used whole wheat flour to coat the cod, but you can use all-purpose white flour if you prefer.

Egg – After coating the cod in flour, you’ll want to dip it in scrambled egg. One egg should work for 3-4 pieces of cod.

Panko crumbs – This creates the crispy outer breading for the fish. I used white panko crumbs but you can also use whole wheat.

Seasonings – A mix of oregano, basil, salt, garlic and smoked paprika is mixed into the panko crumbs to add flavour to the breading.

Overhead view of ingredients to make air fried cod arranged individually and labelled.

How to cook cod in the air fryer

  1. Cut your cod into 3-4 pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels and place them on a plate.
  2. Add your flour to a pie dish or rimmed plate.
  3. In a large shallow bowl, whisk your egg.
  4. In another pie dish or rimmed plate, mix together the panko crumbs and seasonings.
  5. To bread the fish, roll each piece in flour, dip it in the egg and then coat it in the panko crumb mixture.
  6. Place the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 18-22 minutes, flipping the fish after 10 minutes.
Overhead view of cod, scrambled egg, panko crumbs and flour arranged on separate plates/bowls.
Process of breading cod with pieces of cod being rolled in flour, dipped in egg and coated in panko crumbs.
Overhead view of two uncooked breaded cod fillets in an air fryer basket.
Overhead view of two air fried cod fillets in an air fryer basket.

Frequently asked questions

How do you know when cod is cooked?

The internal temperature of the thickest part of the fish should be cooked to 145F. I like to use a meat thermometer to be sure. The breading will be crispy and browned, and the fish should be opaque and flake apart easily.

Is air fried cod healthy?

Compared to deep fried battered fish or pan fried cod, this recipe is healthier as it doesn’t use any oil or butter to make it crispy.

Can you air fry frozen cod?

If you only have frozen cod, you’ll want to defrost it first as the breading will not stick as well to frozen fillets. Thawed fish will be a little wet so make sure you pat it dry before starting the breading process.

Can you use another type of fish for this recipe?

While I’ve only tested this recipe with cod fish, haddock or tilapia are a similar texture so they should work well as a substitute.

How do you reheat leftover breaded cod?

The breading on the cod will soften in the refrigerator, so you’ll want to reheat it in the oven in order to bring back the crispiness. Cod dries out quickly so you’ll want to reheat it on a lower temperature until just heated through. I usually reheat it in the oven on 350F for about 5-7 minutes.

Overhead view of two bowls of breaded fish and wedge fries with peas and tartar sauce off to the sides.

What type of air fryer was this recipe tested in?

This recipe was tested in three different air fryers at a cooking temperature of 400F. Here are the main differences I found:

  • Philips 2.75 quart basket style: Since it’s a smaller capacity air fryer, I had to air fry the fish in two batches. I also found it took longer to cook, taking the full 22 minutes per batch.
  • Cosori 5.8 quart basket style: This is a larger capacity air fryer with a preheat function, so I was able to air fry all of the fish in a single batch in about 18 minutes.
  • Cuisinart toaster oven style: This air fryer is also larger capacity and handled all of the fish in one batch and took about 18-20 minutes. I find this air fryer runs a little hotter, so the breading browned quicker.

Depending on the size, brand and model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cook time slightly. You may also need to air fry the cod in batches.

Overhead view of air fried fish and wedge fries in a grey bowl.

What to serve with air fried cod

  • In addition to these air fryer potato wedges, you can also serve up this crispy fish with some air fryer baby potatoes and air fryer potato slices.
  • Pair your fish and chips with some veggies like these air fryer carrots, green beans or mixed vegetables.
  • Keep the veggie sides going with this spring salad, healthier coleslaw or caesar salad.
  • Don’t forget a side of tartar sauce or try this cashew mayo for a tangy addition to your cod fish!

Additional recipe tips

  • Make sure your cod pieces are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly.
  • Thinner pieces of cod will cook faster and thicker pieces will take longer. The air frying times in this recipe are based on 1-inch thick pieces.
  • For the best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. To achieve this, you may need to air fry the fish in batches.
  • Make sure the fish is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145F but be careful not to over-cook it as it will dry out quickly.

More air fryer seafood recipes

  • Air Fryer Crab Cakes
  • Air Fryer Salmon Patties
  • Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
  • Air Fryer Fish Tacos
  • Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
  • Air Fryer Scallops
  • Air Fryer Tilapia

If you make this air fryer cod fish, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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Up close view of a piece of air fried cod in a bowl with fries.

Air Fryer Cod

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 pieces
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fry
  • Cuisine: Canadian
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Description

If you love crispy, breaded fish fillets, you’ll love this Air Fryer Cod recipe with a panko crust and zero oil! Pair this crispy air fried fish with potato wedges for the ultimate healthy fish and chips!


Ingredients

  • 1 pound cod fillets (1-inch thick)
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 large egg, scrambled
  • 3/4 cup panko crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Grease your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Cut your cod into 3-4 pieces and pat it dry with paper towels.
  3. Add the flour to a pie dish or rimmed plate.
  4. Add the scrambled egg to a wide, shallow bowl.
  5. In another pie dish or rimmed plate, mix together the panko crumbs, basil, oregano, salt, garlic powder and paprika.
  6. Roll each piece of fish in flour, dip it in the egg and then coat it in the panko crumb mixture.
  7. Place the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 10 minutes. Flip the fish and air fry for another 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. 

Notes

  1. I usually grease my air fryer basket to ensure the cod doesn’t stick. If your basket is non-stick, you may not have to do this.
  2. Not all models of air fryers call for preheating. Feel free to preheat yours if it calls for it.
  3. Make sure your cod pieces are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly.
  4. For the best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. To achieve this, you may need to air fry the fish in batches.
  5. Make sure the fish is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145F but be careful not to over-cook it as it will dry out quickly.
  6. Be sure to check out the other sections above the recipe card for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.

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Filed Under: Air Fryer Recipes, All Recipes, Easter Recipes, Main Dishes, Quick Dinner Recipes, Seafood

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathleen says

    November 7, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    Mmmmm good! I made this air fryer cod recipe tonight & it turned out so good! I only had 2 pieces of 8 oz cod ea. I didn’t cut down the ingredients but did cook them for 10 min on one side & flipped them over for another 5 min. The cod was so good and moist inside. I will definitely be doing this recipe again!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      November 8, 2022 at 10:26 am

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Kathleen! Thanks for letting me know!

      Reply
  2. Marilyn says

    April 30, 2021 at 10:49 pm

    I tried this and it was yummy. A healthy but tasty alternative to traditional fish & chips .

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      May 2, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  3. Michelle | Sift & Simmer says

    April 26, 2021 at 1:55 am

    This looks delicious, Leanne! My kids love breaded cod so I’ll have to make this for them!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      April 29, 2021 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks Michelle! I hope your kids enjoy it!

      Reply
  4. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

    April 22, 2021 at 4:17 pm

    Leanne, I see you keep enjoying your air-fryer – another awesome idea! I haven’t used ours as much as you probably have, but I can already tell an air-fryer is a game changer! This cod looks so appetizing and inviting. Delicious.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      April 29, 2021 at 8:20 pm

      Thanks Ben! Yes, we’re really enjoying our air fryer. Hope you get to use yours more often!

      Reply
  5. Terry says

    April 22, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    I have been loving your air fryer recipes and this one looks amazing too! I love the fact it’s oil free…much better than the normal deep fried cod.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      April 29, 2021 at 8:20 pm

      Thanks Terry! I’m so happy to hear that!

      Reply

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Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing well-tested, simple and approachable desserts and savory recipes. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

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