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!
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.
How to cook cod in the air fryer
- Cut your cod into 3-4 pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels and place them on a plate.
- Add your flour to a pie dish or rimmed plate.
- In a large shallow bowl, whisk your egg.
- In another pie dish or rimmed plate, mix together the panko crumbs and seasonings.
- To bread the fish, roll each piece in flour, dip it in the egg and then coat it in the panko crumb mixture.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Air Fryer Cod
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 pieces
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Canadian
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
- Grease your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut your cod into 3-4 pieces and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Add the flour to a pie dish or rimmed plate.
- Add the scrambled egg to a wide, shallow bowl.
- In another pie dish or rimmed plate, mix together the panko crumbs, basil, oregano, salt, garlic powder and paprika.
- Roll each piece of fish in flour, dip it in the egg and then coat it in the panko crumb mixture.
- 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
- 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.
- Not all models of air fryers call for preheating. Feel free to preheat yours if it calls for it.
- Make sure your cod pieces are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- 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.
- Be sure to check out the other sections above the recipe card for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.
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!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Kathleen! Thanks for letting me know!
I tried this and it was yummy. A healthy but tasty alternative to traditional fish & chips .
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This looks delicious, Leanne! My kids love breaded cod so I’ll have to make this for them!
Thanks Michelle! I hope your kids enjoy it!
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.
Thanks Ben! Yes, we’re really enjoying our air fryer. Hope you get to use yours more often!
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.
Thanks Terry! I’m so happy to hear that!