Looking for ways to enjoy crispy cod without the guilt of deep frying?
Your air fryer can transform this lean protein into a crunchy, satisfying meal in minutes.
You’ll find these ten recipes offer impressive variety, from zesty lemon herb to spicy Cajun, and even exotic coconut and mango combinations.
Each dish delivers that perfect golden crunch while keeping the fish tender and moist inside.
Discover how this kitchen gadget can help you serve restaurant-quality seafood with considerably less oil.
Classic Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Cod With Lemon Herb Seasoning
This crispy panko-crusted cod delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort using your air fryer. The combination of golden, crunchy coating and tender, flaky fish creates a delightful contrast of textures, while the bright lemon herb seasoning adds a revitalizing Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the mild cod perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), patted dry
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Cooking spray (olive oil based)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, lemon zest, parsley, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring the oil coats the breadcrumbs evenly.
Step 3: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 4: Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded fillets in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 6: Lightly spray the tops of the fish with cooking spray to help achieve a golden-brown crust.
Step 7: Cook for 10-12 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 8: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Cod Fillets With Crunchy Cornmeal Coating
This Louisiana-inspired air fryer cod delivers a perfect balance of heat and crunch. The cornmeal coating creates an irresistibly crispy exterior while the Cajun seasoning infuses the flaky white fish with bold, spicy flavors. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a weeknight-friendly dish that brings restaurant-quality results right to your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (salt-free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better and guarantees a crispy finish.
Step 3: In a shallow bowl, combine cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper.
Step 4: In another bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 5: Dip each cod fillet into the beaten egg mixture, guaranteeing it’s fully coated.
Step 6: Immediately transfer the egg-coated fillet to the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres evenly on all sides.
Step 7: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
Step 8: Cook for 10-12 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork. There’s no need to flip the fillets.
Step 9: Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 295 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg (varies based on Cajun seasoning used)
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Mediterranean Air Fryer Cod With Olive and Herb Crust
This Mediterranean-inspired cod dish brings together the bright flavors of olives, herbs, and lemon for a crispy-crusted fish that’s both healthy and satisfying. The air fryer creates the perfect texture – tender and flaky on the inside with a golden herb crust on the outside, all without excessive oil.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for drizzling
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a plate. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, chopped olives, parsley, dill, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil into the breadcrumb mixture and stir until all ingredients are well combined and slightly moistened.
Step 5: Brush each cod fillet with lemon juice, then press the olive and herb mixture firmly onto the top of each fillet, creating a thick crust.
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the crusted cod fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
Step 7: Cook for 10-12 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Parmesan and Almond-Crusted Air Fryer Cod
This Parmesan and almond-crusted cod offers a delightful crunch with every bite while the air fryer guarantees a perfectly cooked, moist interior. The nutty flavor of almonds complements the mild cod beautifully, creating a protein-rich meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), patted dry
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for spraying
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice.
Step 4: Dip each cod fillet into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
Step 5: Transfer the egg-coated fillet to the almond-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to make certain the coating adheres well to all sides.
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
Step 7: Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
Step 8: Cook for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 9: Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Coconut-Crusted Air Fryer Cod With Mango Salsa
This tropical-inspired air fryer cod dish combines the crispy texture of coconut with flaky white fish, perfectly complemented by a fresh, vibrant mango salsa. The air fryer creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the cod moist and tender inside – all with minimal oil and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the mango salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Beat eggs in the second dish. Combine coconut, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third dish.
Step 3: Dredge each cod fillet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Step 5: Place the breaded cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
Step 6: Cook for 10-12 minutes until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: While the fish cooks, prepare the mango salsa by combining all salsa ingredients in a bowl. Mix gently and let sit for flavors to meld.
Step 8: Serve the coconut-crusted cod immediately, topped with a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Sugar: 8g
Crispy Honey-Mustard Air Fryer Cod Bites
These crispy cod bites offer the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy coating. Ready in minutes using your air fryer, they make an excellent appetizer or main dish when paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cod fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Pat the cod pieces dry with paper towels. Dip each piece in the beaten eggs, then in the honey-mustard mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated cod bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch (work in batches if needed).
Step 6: Spray the tops of the cod bites lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking.
Step 7: Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) to verify the fish is fully cooked.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 265
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
Zesty Tortilla-Crusted Air Fryer Cod Tacos
These crispy, zesty cod tacos bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The air fryer creates the perfect crunch on the tortilla coating while keeping the cod moist and flaky inside. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines Mexican-inspired flavors with healthy, lean protein for a weeknight dinner that feels like a fiesta.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cod fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine crushed tortilla chips, taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper if using.
Step 3: Pat cod pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.
Step 4: Dip each piece of cod into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Place the coated cod pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
Step 6: Cook for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the coating is golden and crispy.
Step 7: While the fish cooks, warm the corn tortillas either in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Step 8: Assemble tacos by placing a piece of the crispy cod in each tortilla, then topping with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado slices.
Step 9: Serve immediately with lime wedges, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and hot sauce on the side.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Serving size: 2 tacos
Garlic Butter Air Fryer Cod With Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
This air fryer cod recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with a satisfying crispy breadcrumb topping.
The air fryer creates the perfect texture – moist and tender fish on the inside with a golden crust on the outside. Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish offers a quick yet elegant dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a plate.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Step 4: In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Brush each cod fillet with the garlic butter mixture on both sides.
Step 6: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top of each fillet, creating an even layer.
Step 7: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and carefully place the cod fillets in the basket, breadcrumb side up.
Make sure not to overcrowd the basket.
Step 8: Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Step 9: Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Asian-Inspired Air Fryer Cod With Sesame Seed Crust
This crispy Asian-inspired cod brings together the nutty flavor of sesame seeds with aromatic ginger and garlic, all perfectly cooked in the air fryer. The combination of soy sauce and honey creates a delicious caramelized exterior while keeping the fish tender and moist inside.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Step 2: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the marinade. Let them marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the white and black sesame seeds on a plate. Remove each cod fillet from the marinade and press into the sesame seed mixture, coating both sides.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 6: Cook for 10-12 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The sesame seed crust should be golden brown.
Step 7: Carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and garnish with sliced scallions and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 8: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the fish.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Sugar: 3g
Indian-Spiced Air Fryer Cod With Chickpea Coating
This flavorful Indian-inspired cod dish features a crispy chickpea coating packed with aromatic spices. The air fryer creates a perfect golden crust while keeping the fish tender and moist inside. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a healthy weeknight meal that pairs beautifully with basmati rice or a fresh cucumber raita.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cod fillets, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine chickpea flour, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: In another bowl, mix minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, water, and olive oil to form a paste.
Step 4: Brush each cod fillet with the garlic-ginger paste, then dredge in the chickpea flour mixture, pressing gently to guarantee an even coating.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 6: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the coated cod fillets in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Step 7: Spray the tops of the fish lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Step 8: Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the coating is golden and crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just dipping your toes in the culinary waters, these air fryer cod recipes offer a wave of healthy options without sacrificing taste.
You’ll find that perfectly crisp exterior gives way to tender, flaky fish every time.
So grab your air fryer and transform ordinary cod into extraordinary meals that’ll have your taste buds dancing while keeping your health goals on track.
