Description
A quick and easy 15-minute recipe for crispy, golden-brown cod fillets coated in garlic butter and panko breadcrumbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
- Cod fillets (center-cut, approx. 6 oz per person)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Fresh garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- All-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tsp water
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Lemon, cut into wedges
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter and minced garlic until a paste forms.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with egg wash, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, then press firmly into the Panko mixture to coat all sides.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place breaded cod fillets in the basket, ensuring space between them.
- Brush the top of each fillet generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, checking at 6 minutes. Reduce temp to 390°F if browning too fast. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and coating is golden.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
Notes
Ensure fish is completely dry before breading to prevent coating from sliding off. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If using frozen cod, thaw completely and pat very dry. Minced garlic can burn, so monitor closely during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet per person
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer cod, garlic butter fish, crispy cod, healthy dinner, quick seafood, weeknight meals, gluten-free option