Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod: Quick Dinner Hack (Print Version)

Get perfectly crispy air fryer parmesan crusted cod with minimal fuss. My simple recipe makes flaky fish with a golden crust, perfect for busy weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Pescatarian

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Catch & Dairy

01 - 2 (6 oz / 170g) cod fillets, fresh or thawed
02 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
03 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Crunchy Coating

04 - 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp paprika
07 - Olive oil spray

→ For Serving

08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those cod fillets super dry with paper towels. This is crucial, honestly! Any extra moisture means less crispiness, and we’re aiming for that golden, crunchy exterior. I sometimes even let them sit on a rack for 10 minutes to really air dry a bit. Don't skip this, or your crust might steam instead of crisp, and who wants soggy fish? You want to feel that firm, dry surface.
02 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together the mayo, grated Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined into a thick, slightly clumpy paste. This is where the flavor magic begins! I always taste a tiny bit of the mixture (before the fish, obviously!) to make sure the seasoning is just right. Sometimes I add a touch more garlic, because, why not? It should smell savory and cheesy, making your mouth water already.
03 - Now, gently spread that glorious Parmesan mixture all over the top and sides of each cod fillet. You want a good, even layer, really pressing it on so it sticks. Don't be shy here; this is what’s going to give us that amazing crispy texture. I always make sure to get the edges too, because those little crispy bits are the best! Your fingers will get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun, right?
04 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it's heating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray—this prevents sticking and helps with crisping. Carefully place the coated cod fillets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding is a no-go for crispy air fryer parmesan crusted cod!
05 - Air fry the cod for 10-14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer and the thickness of your fish, so keep an eye on it! I usually check around the 10-minute mark; I once overcooked it, and it was a bit dry, so don’t walk away from it! You'll smell that delicious cheesy aroma filling your kitchen.
06 - Once cooked, carefully remove the Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with those lemon wedges. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up so beautifully. It should look vibrant, smell like a dream, and taste absolutely incredible – flaky fish, crunchy crust, pure deliciousness!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your fish super dry! This is the single most important step for a truly crispy crust; don't skip it, I learned that the hard way.
02 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give your Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod room to breathe for optimal crisping, or it'll steam instead of fry.
03 - Use fresh Parmesan cheese. The pre-grated stuff just doesn't melt and crisp up the same way, trust me on this one.
04 - Serve with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon; it truly elevates the flavors and cuts through the richness.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - shallow bowl
03 - paper towels

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 30g

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