This Panko Crusted Cod is made crispy and golden on the outside and flakes tender on the inside using the air fryer and it's ready in minutes! It's one of the easiest fish recipes you can make as a busy weeknight dinner or easy weekend lunch, but fancy enough for company with the parmesan, herb, and crunchy panko crust.
This fish is perfectly paired with fries of course! Try our ParmesanTruffle Fries or Mashed Potato Fries when you have a little more time! And please... don't forget this simple 4 Ingredient Tartar Sauce for dipping, it's magic!
I love making this Panko Crusted Cod for an easy healthy meal that the whole family will love. Even my kids love it, serving it with fries helps of course, but they love the crust on the fish with the savory parmesan notes and the flavorful balance of the herbs and spices! The air fryer is the secret to cooking the cod perfectly!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The air fryer creates a golden-brown, crispy crust, thanks to the spiced panko crumbs on the cod fillets with tender, flaky fish inside.
- This easy recipe combines gourmet flavors with a simple preparation method, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and easy entertaining!
- The combination of Parmesan, herbs, and a hint of mayo creates a delicious flavor profile that everyone will love! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the fish really takes it to the next level!
Ingredient Notes
- Cod Fillets: Choose high-quality fresh cod fillets (or any mild white fish fillets you prefer) or frozen fillets that have thawed and been patted dry with paper towels for the best results.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: add an extra crunch to the coating. You can use regular breadcrumbs but you won't get as much of a crunchy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds so much savory flavor to the crust. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
- Dried Parsley and Dill: These dried herbs bring a herby freshness to the dish.
- Garlic Powder and Paprika: add another layer of flavor to the breadcrumb mixture. Adjust quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also aids in achieving that golden brown, crispy crust.
- Mayonnaise: acts as a binding agent, helping the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the cod.
- Lemon Wedges: add a burst of citrus brightness and pair beautifully with the savory parmesan in the crust.
- Fresh Parsley: for garnish on top of the fish if desired.
How to Make Panko Crusted Cod
1: Add coating ingredients to a medium shallow bowl,
2: Mix panko, spices and parmesan to combine.
3: Lightly brush fish with mayonnaise.
4: Press fish into panko coating on both sides and ensure each filet is fully coated.
5: Place filets in the preheated air fryer!
6: Cook until crust is golden and crispy and fish flakes easily with a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cod will turn a rubbery texture if it's overcooked! Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. When cooking on the stovetop or in the oven, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). In the air fryer keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature, thicker fillets will require more time while thinner will require less time.
Panko is a Japanese breadcrumb. They are lighter and airier than traditional bread crumbs. Panko is made from crustless bread, the result is a flaky and crispy crumb that can be added to recipes for crunch. Panko can be mixed with spices and even parmesan cheese and used as a coating for various dishes. Once coated the dish can be baked or fried to achieve a delicious and crunchy texture.
Tips for crispy fish include: 1) preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature. 2) lightly coat the fish with oil or butter before air frying to promote the ultimate crispiness. 3)Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, allow room for airflow and even cooking. 4) Be mindful of the cooking time. Every air fryer is different and cooking time can definitely affect the final texture!
Expert Tips
- Even Coating: Ensure an even coating by pressing the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the fillets.
- Monitor Thickness: Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness, so check at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Bake Fish in the Oven: as an alternative to the air fryer, bake the cod fillets (on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper) in a preheated 400-degree oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork and the coating turns golden brown. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your fillets, so be sure to monitor closely. A great way to check that the fish is done is to check that the internal temperature registers at 145 degrees with an instant-read thermometer.
Recipe Variations
- Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic profile.
- Add lemon zest to the panko mixture for extra brightness and zing.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a hint of heat.
Recipe Substitutions
- Substitute cod with haddock or tilapia for a different flavor.
- Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Recipe
Panko Crusted Cod (Air Fryer Cod)
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise depending on how large your fillets are
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F.
- Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets dry.
- In a medium-sized bowl, blend panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly mixed.
- Gently brush each cod fillet with mayonnaise, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Dip the mayonnaise-coated cod into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to the fish.
- Lightly drizzle with olive oil or brush with melted butter, for a crispy, golden crust.
- Carefully arrange the cod fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between for airflow.
- Cook at 400°F for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the fish easily flakes with a fork, and the coating is golden brown.
- Keep in mind that cooking time may fluctuate based on the thickness of your fillets, so check the fish at the 10-minute mark.
- Serve with lemon and freshly chopped parsley if desired!
Notes
- Even Coating: Ensure an even coating by pressing the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the fillets.
- Monitor Thickness: Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness, so check at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Bake Fish in the Oven: as an alternative to the air fryer, bake the cod fillets (on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper) in a preheated 400-degree oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork and the coating turns golden brown. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your fillets, so be sure to monitor closely. A great way to check that the fish is done is to check that the internal temperature registers at 145 degrees with an instant-read thermometer.
Natalie Booras says
We made this recipe the other night, and it was so perfect for a quick dinner. I even made a fish sandwich the next day for lunch with the leftovers. Excellent recipe. We will definitely be making this one again.
Charlotte Singh-Dhanraj says
Thanks so much Natalie! That's wonderful to hear! so happy you enjoyed! A sandwich is a great idea!