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A mouthwatering image of Crispy Air Fryer Cod Fillets, perfectly seasoned and golden brown
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Emma Lawson | 
01.06.2025

Crispy Air Fryer Cod Fillets: Easy, Light, and Golden

Crispy cod in the air fryer is a healthy twist on a fried favourite — no oil, no deep fryer, just golden fish with a flaky inside and satisfying crunch.

Prep Time

10m

Total Time

10m

Cook

20m

Yield

2 servings
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Dinner

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British

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Cod

For the crispy coating

  • 2 cod fillets
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Spray oil

Optional Side Ideas

  • Lemon wedges
  • Homemade tartar sauce
  • Pickled onions

Keep It Dry

Always pat cod fillets dry to prevent soggy breading.

How to Cook Air Fryer Cod Fillets

Step-by-step for flaky, golden, guilt-free fish.

  1. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Set up breading station: flour, beaten egg, panko with seasoning.
  3. Coat cod: flour → egg → breadcrumbs.
  4. Place in air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil.
  5. Cook 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

Crispier Coating Secret

  • Use panko for maximum crunch
  • Spray lightly with oil before and after flipping
  • Let cooked fish rest 1–2 minutes
Another enticing view of Crispy Air Fryer Cod Fillets featuring a crispy and light coating

Cod Fillet Nutrition Info

Calories: 260 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 10g

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cod

  • Serve with air fryer fries for a healthy ‘fish & chips’
  • Add a side salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Serve in a wrap with crunchy slaw

Final Thoughts on This Cod Recipe

This air fryer cod recipe delivers a light and satisfying main course without the oil and mess of deep frying. Whether you’re making a fish wrap, protein-rich salad topper, or healthy dinner plate, this one’s going into your weekly rotation.

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Air Fryer Cod Tips

Can I use frozen cod?

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Yes, thaw thoroughly and pat dry before breading to ensure crispiness.

How do I stop the coating from falling off?

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Chill breaded fillets for 10 minutes before cooking — it helps the crust adhere.

Do I need to flip the cod in the air fryer?

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Yes, flipping halfway through ensures both sides brown evenly.

What breadcrumbs work best?

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Panko gives the crispiest result, but regular works too with added paprika or garlic powder.