Golden Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod (Print Version)
Get golden, crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod with this easy recipe. Flaky fish and a cheesy crust, ready for your weeknight dinner table.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Dietary: High Protein, Gluten-Free Adaptable
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1.5 lbs cod fillets (about 4, 1-inch thick)
02 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise
03 -
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings
04 -
1 tsp garlic powder
05 -
1/2 tsp paprika
06 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
07 -
Salt to taste
→ Crispy Coating
08 -
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
09 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
10 -
1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
12 -
Lemon wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, pat those cod fillets really, really dry with paper towels. This is a super important step, honestly! Any extra moisture means less crisp, and we're going for maximum crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod here. I once skipped this, thinking 'it's fine,' and the crust was just... sad. So, don't be like past-me. Set them aside on a plate while you get the coating ready.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and a good pinch of black pepper. Get it all smooth and combined. This is your sticky, flavorful base that's going to cling to the cod. I sometimes add a tiny dash of hot sauce here if I'm feeling spicy, just a little kick! Taste it; does it need more pepper? Trust your instincts.
03 -
In another shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Give it a good stir to mix everything up. This is where the magic happens for that golden, crunchy exterior. I once put the cheese in the mayo mix by mistake—oops! It still worked, but the crust wasn't as distinctively crispy. This step creates that beautiful texture.
04 -
Now for the fun part! Take each dried cod fillet and generously spread the mayo-Dijon mixture all over it. Then, press each fillet firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Don't be shy; really get that crust on there! This is what gives us that truly Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod.
05 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Carefully place the coated cod fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren't touching. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the top of each fillet for extra crispiness.
06 -
Air fry for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and super crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time can vary, so keep an eye on it! The smell, oh my goodness, the smell! It's that warm, cheesy, fishy goodness. Serve immediately with those fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your amazing Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod!
# Notes:
01 -
Patting the fish super dry is the absolute key to a truly crispy crust; don't skip it!
02 -
Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to get some crispness back.
03 -
If you're out of panko, crushed cornflakes make a surprisingly good gluten-free substitute.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end just brightens all the flavors; it's a must!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
shallow dishes
03 -
small bowl
04 -
whisk
05 -
paper towels
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 calories
Total Fat: 18g total fat
Total Carbohydrate: 15g total carbs
Protein: 30g protein