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Crispy Herb Air Fryer Cod 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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