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To make this tasty Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod, you need just a few main items: - 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both filling and flavorful. Cod is a light fish that works well with the crispy coating. The right seasonings make this dish shine. Gather these for the coating: - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These seasonings add depth to the cod, making each bite tasty. The parsley gives a fresh touch, while the garlic and onion powders add warmth. For a bright finish, consider these garnishes: - 1 lemon, for zest and wedges Lemon adds a fresh zing to the dish. Zesting it over the cooked cod gives a burst of flavor. Squeezing lemon wedges on top before eating brightens the taste further. First, take four cod fillets, each about 6 ounces. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step removes moisture and helps the coating stick better. Make sure to dry both sides. If the fish is wet, the crust won’t be crispy. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, preferably panko. Panko gives extra crunch. Then, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Next, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until it looks even. Brush each cod fillet lightly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil on both sides. This oil helps the coating crisp up nicely. Next, press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat both sides well and press gently. This helps the crumbs stick. Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Once it’s hot, place the coated cod fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. The cod should turn golden brown and flake easily with a fork. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the cod for added freshness. Plate your cod fillets and serve them with lemon wedges for squeezing on top. Enjoy your crispy, tasty meal! To get that perfect crispy bite, start by patting the cod fillets dry. This step removes moisture and helps the coating stick better. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They give a great texture and golden color. When you coat the fish, press the breadcrumbs down firmly. This helps them stay on during cooking. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each piece space so hot air can circulate well. This ensures even cooking and a crisp finish. You can switch out ingredients for what you have on hand. Instead of cod, use other fish like tilapia or haddock. For the breadcrumbs, regular ones work, but panko is best for crunch. If you lack Parmesan, try pecorino cheese for a different flavor. Fresh parsley can be swapped for dried herbs like thyme or oregano. The garlic and onion powders can be replaced with fresh minced garlic or onion if you prefer a stronger taste. Cooking in batches may be necessary if your air fryer is small. Avoid stacking the fillets; they need space to cook properly. This helps each piece get that lovely golden crust. Keep the first batch warm in the oven at a low temperature while you cook the rest. This way, everything stays hot and ready to serve. When finished, don’t forget to zest the lemon on top for a fresh pop of flavor! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your cod by using different herbs. Fresh herbs like dill or basil add a nice touch. You can mix dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the coating too. Each herb brings a new flavor to the dish. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite mix. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy this cod. Baking works well. Just place the coated fillets on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. The fish should be flaky and golden. You can also pan-sear the cod. Heat oil in a pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Both methods create delicious results. Pairing cod with vegetables is a great idea. You can cook sliced zucchini or bell peppers in the air fryer alongside the fish. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. Toss your favorite veggies in olive oil and seasonings. Place them in the air fryer with the cod for a complete dish. You’ll enjoy a tasty and healthy meal! After cooking, you can store leftover cod. Let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to two days. The key is to keep it sealed to prevent moisture loss and odors. Reheating cod can be tricky. You want to keep it crispy. I suggest using the air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the cod for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps restore the crispiness of the crust. If you want to save cod for later, freezing is an option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then put them in a freezer-safe bag. Cod can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the air fryer for the best results. You should cook cod in an air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes. This time ensures the cod cooks through and the crust turns golden brown. Always check if the fish flakes easily with a fork. If it does, it is ready to eat! Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat them dry and follow the same steps in the recipe. Parmesan crusted cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed green beans - Roasted potatoes - A fresh salad - Quinoa or rice - Grilled vegetables Serving with lemon wedges adds a nice touch too! You’ve learned about the key ingredients for making delicious Parmesan-crusted cod. We covered how to prepare the fish, mix the coating, and cook it in the air fryer. I shared tips to get a crispy finish and suggested variations for more flavor. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat your dish. Remember, this recipe is adaptable. You can make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod

Discover the deliciousness of Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod, a simple and flavorful dish that's perfect for any dinner table. Made with fresh cod fillets coated in a crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, this recipe is easy to follow and takes just 20 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this mouthwatering meal everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon, for zest and wedges

Instructions
 

Prep the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better.

    Mix the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

      Coat the Cod: Brush each cod fillet lightly with olive oil on both sides. Then, press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly and press gently so the crumbs adhere well.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Cod: Place the coated cod fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

            Add Zest: Just before serving, zest a lemon over the cooked cod for an added burst of freshness.

              Serve: Plate the cod fillets, and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the cod on a bed of fresh greens with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra parsley on top for a beautiful and inviting presentation.