10 Crunchy Air Fryer Cod Recipes for a Healthy Meal
Okay, so cod in the air fryer is basically a game changer. You get that crispy coating without all the oil, and the fish stays so tender inside. I make these all the time because they’re quick, healthy, and honestly taste better than fried. Whether you want classic crunch or something with a little kick, these recipes have you covered.
1. Classic Crunchy Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat those cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is important, trust me.
Wet fish won’t hold the coating well. You want them as dry as possible so the breadcrumbs stick like they’re supposed to. Takes like 30 seconds but makes all the difference.
Step 2: Mix your breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Give it a good stir so the seasonings spread evenly. Smells amazing already. I usually taste a pinch to make sure the seasoning is right, but that’s just me.
Step 3: Dip each fillet in the beaten egg first, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture.
Coat both sides really well. Press down a little so the crumbs actually stick. Don’t be shy here. The more coverage, the crunchier it gets.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray and place the fillets in without touching.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if yours needs that. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when the coating is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. If it’s not crispy enough, add another minute or two.
2. Panko Crusted Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Dry your cod fillets really well with paper towels.
Moisture is the enemy of crispy coating. This step is not optional. I learned that the hard way when my first batch came out soggy.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix it up so the cheese and herbs distribute evenly. Panko gives you that extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. It’s lighter and crispier, honestly my favorite for fish.
Step 3: Dip the fillets in the egg, then press them into the panko mixture on both sides.
Make sure every inch is covered. The Parmesan adds a salty, savory punch that’s really good. Press gently so it sticks but doesn’t clump.
Step 4: Spray your air fryer basket and lay the fillets in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once at the halfway mark. The panko should turn golden brown and super crispy. If you want it even crunchier, spray the top lightly with cooking spray before the final few minutes.
3. Lemon Garlic Crunch Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat the cod dry with paper towels.
You know the drill by now. Dry fish equals better coating. This is basically the golden rule for all these recipes.
Step 2: Mix breadcrumbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
The lemon zest is where the magic happens. It’s bright and fresh and smells incredible. Fresh parsley adds a little color and flavor too.
Step 3: Dip each fillet in the beaten egg, then coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture.
Press it on there so it sticks. The garlic and lemon combo is amazing, honestly one of my favorites. Don’t skip the zest, it makes the whole thing pop.
Step 4: Place the fillets in the air fryer basket sprayed with cooking spray.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway. The garlic gets fragrant and the crust turns golden. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side if you want extra citrus. So good with roasted veggies or a simple salad.
4. Parmesan Crusted Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Dry your cod fillets thoroughly with paper towels.
Same as always. Moisture will ruin the crispy vibe you’re going for. Just a quick pat down and you’re good.
Step 2: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a dish.
Stir it all together. The Parmesan makes this coating so savory and rich. It’s basically the star here.
Step 3: Dip the fillets in egg, then press into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix.
Coat both sides well. The cheese will get crispy and a little golden in the air fryer, which is honestly the best part. You’ll see it bubble slightly as it cooks.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket and arrange the fillets without overlapping.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once. The Parmesan crust should be golden and crunchy. Let it cool for a minute before serving so the coating sets. Pairs perfectly with pasta or a light salad.
5. Almond Crusted Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup crushed almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
Starting to sound like a broken record, but it really matters. Dry fish, crispy coating. That’s the formula.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix almond flour, crushed almonds, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
This coating is a little different because of the almonds. It’s nutty and adds a really nice texture. Also lower carb if that’s your thing.
Step 3: Dip each fillet in the egg, then press into the almond mixture.
Cover all sides. The crushed almonds give it a rustic crunch that’s pretty satisfying. It won’t be as uniform as breadcrumbs, but that’s part of the charm.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket and place the fillets inside.
Cook at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Almonds can brown faster than breadcrumbs, so keep an eye on it. If it’s getting too dark, lower the temp slightly. The result is super flavorful and crunchy without being heavy.
6. Coconut Crunch Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Dry the cod fillets completely with paper towels.
You already know why. Wet fish equals sad coating. Keep it dry and you’re golden.
Step 2: Mix shredded coconut, panko, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
The coconut adds a tropical vibe and gets crispy in the air fryer. It’s a fun twist if you’re bored of regular breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Dip the fillets in egg, then coat them with the coconut panko mixture.
Press it on so it sticks. The coconut flakes might not stick as easily as breadcrumbs, so a little extra pressing helps. Worth it though.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket and lay the fillets in without crowding.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once. The coconut will toast and turn golden brown. Smells amazing. Serve with a mango salsa or lime wedge for a beachy feel.
7. Keto Crunch Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
Seriously, this is the most important step in every single recipe. Don’t skip it.
Step 2: Combine crushed pork rinds, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Pork rinds are a keto secret weapon. They get super crunchy and add a salty, savory flavor. If you haven’t tried this, you’re missing out.
Step 3: Dip each fillet in the beaten egg, then press into the pork rind mixture.
Coat well. The mixture might look a little chunky, but it crisps up beautifully. Trust the process.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket and place the fillets inside.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway. The coating will be golden and crispy with zero carbs. Perfect if you’re watching carbs but still want that crunch. Tastes amazing with a side of cauliflower mash or green beans.
8. Herb Crusted Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Dry the cod fillets with paper towels.
Same rule applies. Moisture is the enemy here. A quick pat and you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Mix breadcrumbs, fresh dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Fresh herbs make this feel fancy but it’s still super easy. Dill and parsley are classic with fish. Smells so fresh.
Step 3: Dip the fillets in egg, then coat with the herb breadcrumb mixture.
Press gently so the herbs stick. The green flecks make it look really pretty too, which is a bonus.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket and arrange the fillets in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once. The herbs will get fragrant and the crust will turn golden. This one’s great with rice or a light couscous salad.
9. Fish Taco Style Crunchy Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
You know why by now. Dry fish is the foundation of crispy coating. Every time.
Step 2: Combine breadcrumbs, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
This seasoning mix is what gives it that taco vibe. The cumin and chili powder are key. Smells like taco night already.
Step 3: Dip each fillet in egg, then press into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
Coat generously. The spices make this one really flavorful. You can adjust the chili powder if you want it spicier.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket and place the fillets inside.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway. The coating will be golden and crispy. Break the fillets into chunks and load them into tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Taco Tuesday just got easier.
10. Cajun Crusted Cod
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Step 1: Dry the cod fillets thoroughly with paper towels.
This is the most repeated step for a reason. It’s the secret to getting that perfect crispy coating every time.
Step 2: Mix breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
The Cajun seasoning brings the heat and a ton of flavor. If you like spice, this one’s for you. You can use store bought or make your own blend.
Step 3: Dip the fillets in the beaten egg, then coat with the Cajun breadcrumb mixture.
Press it on so every bit is covered. The spices will toast in the air fryer and get even more flavorful.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket and lay the fillets in without overlapping.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once. The Cajun crust will be golden with a little kick. Serve with rice, coleslaw, or roasted corn for a complete meal. This one’s my go to when I want something with a little punch.
Final Words
There you have it. Ten ways to make crispy, delicious cod in the air fryer without the guilt of deep frying. Each one’s easy, quick, and honestly better than takeout. Try one this week and let me know which one becomes your favorite. You really can’t go wrong with any of these.
