Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is crispy on the outside, while tender and flaky on the inside. Perfectly seasoned with a cheesy crust and just the right amount of zest. Topped with juicy cherry tomatoes and capers. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that is just as flavorful and satisfying.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod
Air fryer recipes can be a bit intimidating at first. However, air fryers are relatively easy to use and can make life just as easy too. You can make a whole meal in the air fryer that comes together in no time. This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is just as easy and comes together in just under 30 minutes. Perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is crispy on the outside, while tender and flaky on the inside. Perfectly seasoned with a cheesy crust and just the right amount of zest. Topped with juicy cherry tomatoes and capers. Quick and super easy to make while just as flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients needed to make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod:
- Cod Filets– Fresh cod tastes better because is fresh. Frozen fish can also be used, it does have to be thawed-out first.
- Fresh Lemon Juice– Gives the fish a fresh taste and elevates all the flavors.
- Avocado Oil– Prevents the cod from sticking to the air fryer.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese– Use freshly grated parmesan cheese if possible.
- Blanched Almond Flour– Gives the crust structure.
- Egg– Helps the crust stick to the cod.
- Spices and Herbs– Garlic, pink sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried parsley.
- Lemon Zest– Gives a fresh a zesty flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes– Adds juiciness to the parmesan crusted cod.
- Capers– Add so much flavor the cod.
Equipment needed to make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod:
- Air Fryer– Any size air fryer will work.
- Small Mixing Bowl– To whisk eggs in.
- Medium Mixing Bowl– To whisk dry ingredients for crust.
- Plate or Platter– To add crust mixture in.
- Whisk– For whisking eggs and crust mixture.
- Spatula– To remove cod from the air fryer.
How to make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod:
- Step 1– Pat fish dry filets using a paper towel. Drizzle lemon juice and avocado oil over filets making sure each is well coated.
- Step 2– Whisk egg in a small bowl and set aside. Mince garlic and zest lemon.
- Step 3– In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together grated parmesan, almond flour, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika and dried parsley. Transfer dry mixture to a plate or platter.
- Step 4– Line fish filets, egg, and dry mixture in front of you and set air fryer baskets right next to them. Grab first filet and dip it in egg making sure it’s well coated. Tap filet to the side of the bowl to get rid of any excess egg. Next, set coated fish filet on dry mixture pressing it down to make sure it gets coated with the mixture as well. Use fingers to grab some of the mixture and sprinkle over the top of the fish. Use fingers to then press mixture down over the top of the fish.
- Step 5– Once the first filet is well coated with parmesan-almond mixture, place filet in air fryer basket. Repeat with the other 3 filets and once all 4 fish filets have been crusted and placed in air fryer basket, place baskets back in air fryer.
- Step 6– Set air fryer on air fry setting and set temperature at 325 degrees F. Set timer at 12 minutes and begin to air fry cod.
- Step 7– While the fish is air frying, drain capers and half cherry tomatoes.
- Step 8– Once timer is up, open air fryer baskets and toss cherry tomatoes and capers evenly over each filet. Close baskets again and continue to air fry fish for another 8 minutes again at 325 degrees F.
- Step 9– Using a spatula, carefully remove fish from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use any white fish in substitution for cod– Halibut is a great fish to use in this recipe too.
- Don’t overcrowd are fryer– Place 1-2 filets in your air fryer basket depending on how big it is. This will leave enough space for air to properly circulate throughout the basket. Making your cod nice and crispy. You may have to cook in batches.
- Use thicker filets– You don’t want your cod to be too thin. It will easily overcook before the crust gets crispy enough. Resulting in a mushy crust rubbery and dry fish.
- Substitute almond flour for coconut flour– it compliments the fish greatly.
- Freshly grated parmesan is perfect for this recipe– if you have pre-grated parmesan it works too. However, freshly grated parmesan cheese gives the cod a better flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes and capers are so good with the fish– I recommend not skipping them! But you can always leave either one or both out if you’re not a fan.
- You can use a traditional oven to make this Parmesan Crusted Cod– Preheat oven at 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Bake fish for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, add cherry tomatoes and capers. Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
How to serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod:
I love serving this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod as a main dish. Especially when topped with the cherry tomatoes and capers. We love having this cod with mashed potatoes and green beans in my house. This fish is also great to make fish tacos with or even a fish sandwich.
What to serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod with:
- Garlic Butter Sautéed Mushrooms
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Grilled Summer Veggies
- Herbed Butter Roasted Potatoes
- Honey-Ginger Roasted Carrots
- Garlic Parmesan Parsnip Fries
- Cauliflower Rice
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod FAQ’s:
Is cod fish good in the air fryer?
Yes. Cod is so good when cooked in the air fryer. You just have to make sure to not overcook your cod while are frying it.
Why is my cod rubbery?
If your cod is rubbery is because it is overcooked. Cooking your cod for too long will cause it to get dry and rubbery. Fish cooks pretty fast, especially when cooked in the air fryer.
How do you know when cod is done in Air Fryer?
The best way to tell of cod is done in the air fryer is by using a fork to flake a bit of the fish. If it easily comes off and it has a flaky texture, that means the cod is done air frying. If it’s not flaky, it still needs a bit more time to cook.
Can I Use Frozen Cod?
Yes. While fresh fish will have a better taste and overall flavor, frozen works perfectly too. You just want to make sure to thaw-out the fish first. Pat dry thoroughly making to make sure any excess moisture is soaked up. This will make the crust stick better to the fish.
Storing and Reheating:
Place any leftover parmesan crusted cod on an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 1-2 days. To reheat is best to place back in the air fryer. You can also use the microwave to reheat, however it will make the crust a but mushy.
Did you like this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod recipe? You may also like these other seafood recipes:
- Easy Cod with Pineapple-Mango Salsa
- Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
- Shrimp Fajitas
- Mahi Mahi Burgers with Chipotle-Avodaco Spread
- Seafood Scampi with Pasta
- Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Lookin for more air fryer recipes? Check these other air fryer recipes out:
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod is crispy on the outside, while tender and flaky on the inside. Perfectly seasoned with a cheesy crust and just the right amount of zest. Topped with juicy cherry tomatoes and capers. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that is just as flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4- 4-6 oz cod filets
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup blanched almond flour
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tsp pink sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup capers (drained)
Instructions
Pat dry fish filets using a paper towel. Drizzle lemon juice and avocado oil over filets making sure each is well coated.
Whisk egg in a small bowl and set aside. Mince garlic and zest lemon.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together grated parmesan, almond flour, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika and dried parsely. Transfer dry mixture to a plate or platter.
Line fish filets, egg, and dry mixture infront of you and set air fryer baskets right next to them. Grab first filet and dip it in egg making sure it's well coated. Tap filet to the side of the bowl to get rid of any excess egg. Next, set coated fish filet on dry mixture pressing it down to make sure it gets coated with the mixture as well. Use fingers to grab some of the mixture and sprinkle over the top of the fish. Use fingers to then press mixture down over the top of the fish.
Once the first filet is well coated with parmesan-almond mixture, place filet in air fryer basket. Repeat with the other 3 filets and once all 4 fish filets have been crusted and placed in air fryer basket, place baskets back in air fryer.
Set air fryer on air fry setting and set temperature at 325 degrees F. Set timer at 12 minutes and begin to air fry cod.
While the fish is air frying, drain capers and half cherry tomatoes.
Once timer is up, open air fryer baskets and toss cherry tomatoes and capers evenly over each filet. Close baskets again and continue to air fry fish for another 8 minutes again at 325 degrees F.
Using a spatula, carefully remove fish from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Tips and Substitutions:
- Use any white fish in substitution for cod– Halibut is a great fish to use in this too.
- Don’t overcrowd are fryer– Place 1-2 filets in your air fryer basket depending on how big it is. This will leave enough space for air to properly circulate throughout the basket. Making your cod nice and crispy. You may have to cook in batches.
- Use thicker filets– You don’t want your cod to be too thin. It will easily overcook before the crust gets crispy enough. Resulting in a mushy crust rubbery and dry fish.
- Substitute almond flour for coconut flour– it compliments the fish greatly.
- Freshly grated parmesan is perfect for this recipe– if you have pre-grated parmesan it works too!
- Cherry tomatoes and capers are so good with the fish– I recommend not skipping them! But you can always leave either one or both out if you’re not a fan.
- You can use a traditional oven to make this Parmesan Crusted Cod– Preheat oven at 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Bake fish for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, add cherry tomatoes and capers. Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
*Number of total servings in estimated. Actual number of servings may vary depending on your own personal preference in portion sizes.
**Nutritional values shown are general guidelines for 1 serving using the ingredients listed above. These numbers do not reflect and may vary depending on substitutions, additions and/or different brands and/or other ingredients that may be used.
**Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links and sponsored content. All the opinions are my own and I only recommend products I use in my own home with my own family.
