There’s something magical about biting into a piece of perfectly cooked fish, that flaky tenderness inside, the golden crunch outside. If you’ve ever sat at a seaside restaurant and savored cod that was crisp on the outside yet melt-in-your-mouth soft, you know exactly what I mean. The only problem? At home, fried fish usually means grease, oil, and guilt.

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod gives you the same satisfying crunch, without the heavy frying. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and light enough to feel like you made a healthy choice.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

4 cod fillets (6 oz each, fresh or thawed if frozen)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Olive oil spray (for air fryer basket)

Optional swaps:

Gluten-free panko for a GF version
Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for dairy-free
Tilapia, haddock, or halibut as cod alternatives

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Prep the Fish
Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Mix the Coating
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Make the Sauce Base
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
Coat the Cod
Brush one side of each fillet with the mayo mixture, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mix until well coated.
Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Spray basket lightly with oil. Place fillets in a single layer, without overcrowding.
Cook
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Fish is ready when crust is golden brown and internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Tricks for Perfectly Crispy Cod

Avoid sogginess: Always pat fish dry before coating.
Extra crunch: Double dip — mayo → crumbs → mayo → crumbs.
Prevent sticking: Use nonstick spray on the air fryer basket.
Batch cooking: Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in two batches if needed.
Check doneness: Cod should flake easily with a fork when ready.

Substitutions & Variations

Herb-Crusted Cod: Mix fresh parsley, dill, or thyme into the breadcrumbs.
Lemon Pepper Cod: Add lemon zest to the coating.
Cajun-Spiced Cod: Replace spices with Cajun seasoning for a bold kick.
Mediterranean Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives into the crumb mix.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cod

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before coating. Extra moisture can make the crust soggy.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What temperature should cod be cooked to?

The safe internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).

Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 280
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 320mg

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers)
Fresh Green Salad with lemon vinaigrette
Quinoa or Rice with herbs
Classic Dips: tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod proves you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy that satisfying crunch. It’s flaky, flavorful, and ready in 20 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner.

Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it sneaks into your regular meal rotation. And hey, if you test a variation (like Cajun or Mediterranean), let me know which one becomes your favorite.

So, what’s stopping you? Grab some cod, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy restaurant-quality fish without leaving your kitchen.