Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Breaded Cod

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Step 1: Prepare the Cod Fillets

  1. Thaw the Cod (if frozen): If you’re using frozen cod fillets, be sure to thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the breading stick better.
  2. Season the Fish: Lightly season both sides of the cod fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

  1. Set up three shallow bowls:
    • Flour bowl: Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
    • Egg bowl: Crack the egg into a bowl and beat it well.
    • Breadcrumb bowl: In the final bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Coat the Cod Fillets

  1. Dredge the Cod: Start by dredging each cod fillet in the flour, coating both sides lightly. Shake off the excess.
  2. Dip in Egg: Next, dip the fillet into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  3. Bread the Fish: Finally, press the fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on both sides. You can gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fillet to ensure they stick well.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is hot and ready to give your cod a crispy finish.

Step 5: Air Fry the Cod

  1. Arrange the Fillets: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded cod fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
  2. Air Fry: Cook the cod fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The fillets should be golden and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when done.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the cod fillets from the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon, and a side of vegetables or fries for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

  • Crispier Coating: For an extra crispy finish, you can spray the cod fillets lightly with olive oil spray before air frying.
  • Do Not Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding the basket, ensuring the fillets cook evenly and crisp up properly.
  • Check Doneness: Cod fillets cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, which can lead to dryness.

Enjoy your Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Breaded Cod—it’s a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to deep-frying!

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