If you’re searching for a quick, healthy dinner idea, this Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod deserves a spot on your weekly menu. Light yet satisfying, this recipe delivers perfectly crispy edges with a tender, flaky center — all with minimal prep and under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, simple meal prep, or anytime you want a reliable seafood dinner that feels a little special without extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod
- Fast & fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients
- Healthy but flavorful: Air frying keeps it light while butter, garlic, and Parmesan add depth
- Family-friendly: Mild, crispy, and approachable — great for all ages
- Versatile: Works with different white fish and easy side dishes
This recipe proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the breadcrumb topping crisp up evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting a crispy finish. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and fragrant.
Step 4: Coat the Fish
Press the breadcrumb mixture gently onto the top of each cod fillet, making sure it sticks well and forms an even layer.
Step 5: Air Fry
Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Remove from the air fryer, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.
Tips & Variations
- Extra crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Dairy-free option: Swap butter for olive oil and use dairy-free Parmesan
- Different fish: Haddock, pollock, or tilapia work well with the same method
- Mild heat: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for more depth
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this air fryer cod with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. It also pairs well with roasted potatoes or a light pasta side.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod is a quick, healthy dinner with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping and tender, flaky fish inside. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and simple meal prep.
Ingredients
2 cod fillets
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 lemon wedges (or more), for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and paprika until evenly combined.
4. Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each cod fillet in an even layer.
5. Place cod in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overlap).
6. Air fry 8–10 minutes, or until topping is golden and fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Fish swaps: Haddock, pollock, or tilapia work well.
Extra crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs.
Dairy-free: Use olive oil or plant-based butter + dairy-free Parmesan.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~420mg |
Final Thoughts
This Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod is proof that simple ingredients and smart cooking can create a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or just want a dependable dinner idea, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.