BEST DAMN CRISPY AND FLAKY AIR FRYER COD! This recipe gives you that golden, pub-style crunch without deep frying, and the inside stays juicy, tender, and flaky. Perfect for fish tacos, sandwiches, or eating straight up with lemon and tartar sauce!
🐟 BEST DAMN CRISPY AND FLAKY AIR FRYER COD
Golden, crunchy, flaky perfection—no grease, no fuss, all flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
1 lb cod fillets (cut into 4 pieces, about 1-inch thick)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for extra depth)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or malt vinegar for serving
✅ Optional Add-ins: zest of 1 lemon in the breadcrumbs, cayenne for heat, or parmesan for extra umami.
🧑🍳 Instructions
🔥 1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
🥣 2. Set Up a Breading Station
Bowl 1: Flour + salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs (add seasonings here too if you like).
🐟 3. Bread the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels (super important!).
Dredge each fillet in flour, then dip in egg, then coat fully in panko. Press gently to stick.
💨 4. Air Fry Like a Pro
Spray both sides of the fish generously with olive oil spray.
Place in the air fryer in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Fish is done when golden and crispy, and it flakes easily with a fork.
💡 Pro Tip: Internal temp should be 145°F (63°C) if you’re checking!
🍽️ Serve It Up
Classic: Serve with fries, lemon wedges, and tartar sauce.
Taco time: Flake into warm tortillas with slaw and chipotle mayo.
Light: Pair with a fresh salad and drizzle of vinaigrette.
🔥 Bonus Tips
Panko = crunch king. Don’t sub with regular breadcrumbs unless you toast them first.
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer—crispiness needs space.
Make it gluten-free: use GF panko and flour.
Want it beer-battered style? Mix a wet batter with flour + beer and do a double dip before coating in panko.