Incredibly Crispy Cod Parmesan

Cod is a versatile fish I love for quick weeknight meals and casual dinner parties alike This incredibly crispy cod with parmesan comes out of the air fryer impossibly light and crunchy The best part is you get all the savory fried flavor with barely any oil Whether you are a fish lover or just looking to try something new this recipe guarantees that perfect golden bite every time

I first made this for a last minute Friday dinner when I had little in the fridge but some cod and a block of parmesan Now it is a go to for impressing friends with minimal effort

Ingredients

• Cod fillets about 600 grams: Fresh cod is the star here look for fillets that are firm and bright white with no fishy aroma Skinless pieces make for easy eating and the best texture
• Parmesan cheese about 100 grams: Adds a savory punch and that crisp golden crust Freshly grated parmesan is best since it melts and flavors better than any pre grated cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs about 50 grams: These crunchy Japanese crumbs give you airiness instead of heaviness For best results pick panko that looks dry and pale with a super crisp texture
• Lemon juice about 2 tablespoons: Gives the whole dish an irresistible brightness Lemon also helps bind the coating so it will not slide off the fish
• Spices to taste: Choose salt for balance black pepper for bite and smoked paprika for color and warmth Always check for fresh spices as older ones lose aroma and vibrancy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Fish:

Rinse the cod fillets quickly under cold running water and carefully pat them completely dry with paper towels Any lingering moisture will prevent breading from sticking well so take your time Cut the fillets into pieces of roughly equal size about 150 grams each to ensure they all cook at the same pace

Prepare the Breading:

In a wide shallow bowl combine the panko breadcrumbs with the freshly grated parmesan cheese along with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper Mix thoroughly using your fingers to evenly distribute the cheese and seasoning so every bite has flavor

Bread the Fish:

Pour the lemon juice into a separate bowl Lightly press each piece of cod into the lemon juice then immediately move it into the panko parmesan mix Gently press the crumbs all over the fish surface especially the top and sides Lay each breaded piece gently on a plate ready for air frying

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius Allow about five minutes for it to fully heat up A hot air fryer is essential for that rapid crisping and a deep golden color

Fry the Cod:

Carefully place each breaded cod piece into the basket of your air fryer Be sure they do not touch so air can flow around all sides Air fry for ten to twelve minutes checking at ten for doneness The coating should be deep golden and the fish opaque and flaking

Serve:

Using tongs gently lift the cod out of the fryer If there is any excess fat blot it with kitchen paper Serve straight away for maximum crunch Try with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal

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Parmesan is easily my favorite part of this recipe I remember making this for my dad who always turned his nose up at fish The parmesan sealed the deal and he asked for seconds Over the years the crispy cheese crust has made cod a household favorite

Storage Tips

This dish is best enjoyed straight from the air fryer but leftovers keep well for up to two days in the fridge Store in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for three or four minutes to revive the crispiness Microwaving makes the crust soggy so avoid unless in a pinch

Ingredient Substitutions

No panko on hand Use regular dry breadcrumbs but note the texture will be less airy Want it dairy free Skip parmesan and try a sprinkle of crushed cornflakes for crunch Do not have cod Haddock or pollock stand in well just select fillets with similar thickness

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with a zesty coleslaw steamed vegetables or even a simple herbed rice For a party snack cut the cod into smaller strips and serve with a lemony aioli or classic tartar sauce Kids love these as homemade fish sticks

Cultural and Historical Context

Crispy coated fish is a classic in many cuisines from British fish and chips to Japanese tempura This lighter air fryer version riffs on those traditions by adding parmesan for depth and using modern cooking methods for less oil and cleanup

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep cod fillets crispy after air frying?

Place the cod on a wire rack for a few minutes and avoid covering to maintain the crispy crust.

→ Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if needed, though the result will be less crisp.

→ Why is freshly grated parmesan recommended?

Freshly grated parmesan has less moisture compared to pre-grated, resulting in a crispier, more flavorful crust.

→ How do I know when the cod is cooked through?

The cod should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout the center. Typically, 10-12 minutes in the air fryer at 200°C suffices.

→ What sides pair well with crispy cod and parmesan?

Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or lemon-dressed potatoes complement the light and savory flavors of the dish.