Introduction

Crispy Herb Air Fryer Cod is a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, flaky fish with a golden, flavorful crust. This recipe combines fresh herbs and a crunchy panko coating for a light yet satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.

The image shows four thick pieces of fish with a golden-brown crispy crust on top, flecked with herbs and spices, sitting closely together in a pan. The fish flesh underneath is white and flaky with visible layers. Two bright yellow lemon wedges rest on the side, adding a fresh contrast to the warm tones of the fish. The pan is black, and the focus is sharp on the front piece of fish, making the texture and seasoning stand out clearly. The whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 fillets cod (fresh, firm, and moist for best results)
2 tablespoons olive oil (adjust according to preference)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (provides a light, crispy coating)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can be substituted with gluten-free flour)
2 large eggs (for binding, can use flax egg for plant-based)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (cilantro can be used as a substitute)
2 teaspoons fresh dill (use tarragon if desired)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust according to taste)
1 teaspoon onion powder (enhances overall flavor)
1 teaspoon paprika (can use smoked paprika for extra flavor)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 wedges lemon (for serving, to add zesty brightness)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat dry the cod fillets with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set up a three-bowl breading station: one bowl with flour, one with whisked eggs, and the last with panko breadcrumbs mixed with parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Dredge each fillet in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally press into the seasoned panko mixture, ensuring a good coating on all sides.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange the coated cod fillets in a single layer without overlapping.
Step 6: Air fry the cod for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and the fish is firm and cooked through.
Step 7: Remove the fillets carefully and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated fillets with olive oil before air frying.
Try substituting the herbs with tarragon or basil for a different flavor profile.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Serve with a side of tartar sauce or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows three thick pieces of golden-brown seared fish with a crispy crust on top, sprinkled with green herbs. The fish has a white, flaky texture beneath the browned surface, and the fillets are placed close together on a white marbled surface. Next to the fish pieces, there is a bright yellow lemon wedge on the right side, adding a fresh touch to the presentation. The photo is taken close up, highlighting the texture and seasoning of the fish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat dry the fillets before breading to ensure a crispy coating.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the breaded cod in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Crispy Herb Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 53 reviews

This Crispy Herb Air Fryer Cod recipe delivers perfectly cooked, golden and crunchy cod fillets infused with fresh herbs and spices. Using an air fryer gives the cod a light, crispy coating without deep frying, making it a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional fried fish. The cod is seasoned with a flavorful mixture of parsley, dill, garlic, onion powder, and paprika, then coated in a crispy combination of flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs before air frying to perfection. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Author: Natalie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

4 fillets Cod (Fresh, firm, and moist for best results)

Coating & Seasoning

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Adjust according to preference)
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Provides a light, crispy coating)
1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can be substituted with gluten-free flour)
2 large Eggs (For binding, can use flax egg for plant-based)
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Cilantro can be used as a substitute)
2 teaspoons Fresh Dill (Use tarragon if desired)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adjust according to taste)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Enhances overall flavor)
1 teaspoon Paprika (Can use smoked paprika for extra flavor)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

To Serve

2 wedges Lemon (For serving, to add zesty brightness)

Instructions

Prepare the Cod: Begin by patting dry your cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Set Up Breading Station: Create a three-bowl station: one bowl with the all-purpose flour, another with the whisked eggs, and the last with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Fillets: Dredge each cod fillet first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip the fillet into the egg mixture to coat it completely. Finally, press the fillet firmly into the panko breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even, well-adhered coating.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for crisping the coating.
Prepare the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help the coating crisp. Arrange the coated cod fillets in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap to allow air circulation.
Air Fry the Cod: Cook the cod fillets at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides. The cod should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
Serve: Carefully transfer the cooked cod fillets to a serving platter and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a brightness that complements the crispy herb crust.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
To make this recipe plant-based, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor if desired.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for best crispiness.
Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor, but dried herbs can work if fresh are not available.
Ensure cod fillets are of similar thickness to cook evenly.
Lemon wedges brighten the dish and balance the rich crispy coating.

Keywords: Air Fryer Cod, Crispy Cod Recipe, Herb Cod Fillets, Healthy Fried Fish, Air Fryer Seafood, Quick Fish Dinner, Crispy Panko Cod, Fresh Herb Fish

Crispy Herb Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Introduction

Ingredients

Instructions

Tips & Variations

Storage

How to Serve