Crispy Air Fryer Cod with Paprika & Garlic Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Cod Recipe with Paprika & Garlic—an easy, healthy dinner made with simple ingredients and less oil. Perfect for busy weeknights!

If you’re looking for a healthy dinner that’s ready in minutes and tastes like restaurant-quality seafood, this Crispy Air Fryer Cod with Paprika & Garlic is it. Using just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe transforms tender white fish into golden, flavorful perfection—crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve all that crunch and flavor using less oil, which makes this dish a light yet satisfying option for busy weeknights.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it. This easy air fryer cod recipe is foolproof and quick—perfect for those evenings when you want something nutritious without the hassle. Serve it with a side of french fries, a batch of roasted green beans, or a crisp salad for a balanced and delicious meal. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your new go-to for air fryer cod fish that’s perfectly crisp, full of flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this crispy air fryer cod recipe. First, it’s incredibly simple—you only need fresh fish, pantry staples like paprika and garlic powder, and a bit of olive oil. The air fryer basket does most of the work for you, cooking the fish fillets evenly while creating that irresistible crunchy coating from the panko breadcrumbs.

Another reason this dish stands out is its versatility. Whether you’re craving a light seafood dinner or want something to pair with homemade tartar sauce, this cod recipe delivers. It’s an ideal way to enjoy cod fish recipes that are full of flavor yet healthy. Plus, since it’s cooked with less oil than traditional frying, you get all the taste without the greasy aftermath.

---

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy air fryer cod recipe:

• 2 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each) – Use fresh fish if possible, though thawed frozen fillets work too. Cod is a lean white fish with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and paprika.
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil – Helps the breadcrumbs stick and promotes crispiness in the air fryer basket.
• ½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet) – Adds color and a subtle smokiness.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – A quick way to infuse the fish with rich, savory flavor.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – A sprinkle of salt and black pepper balances everything perfectly.
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) – Panko breadcrumbs make for an extra crispy crust, but regular breadcrumbs work fine too.
• Lemon wedges, to serve – A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens the dish and adds freshness.

That’s it—just simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

---

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prep the Cod Fillets
Start by patting your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—it helps the seasonings and coating adhere properly and ensures a crispy finish. Lightly coat both sides of each cod filet with olive oil.

2. Season the Fish
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of each piece of fish.

3. Coat with Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the fillets and gently press so they stick. For even more crunch, drizzle a little extra olive oil or use a quick mist of cooking spray over the top.

4. Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (about 200°C) for 3 minutes. Place the fish in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Once done, carefully remove the cod and give it a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving. Pair it with lemon wedges, a side of french fries, or roasted green beans.

---

How to Store the Recipe

If you have leftovers, let the fish cool completely before storing. Place the crispy air fryer cod in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, avoid the microwave—it can make the coating soggy. Instead, reheat the cod filet in the air fryer basket at 350 degrees F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crispy again.

You can also freeze cooked cod for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, air fry at 375 degrees F for 6–8 minutes until hot throughout and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

---

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dry thoroughly: Always pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the coating stick.
• Use fresh or thawed fish: Fresh cod gives the best texture, but thawed white fish like haddock or tilapia also works well in cod fish recipes like this one.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Keep the fish in a single layer for even air circulation and the crispiest results.
• Check the internal temperature: Use a food thermometer to make sure your piece of fish reaches 145°F.
• Add flavor: Experiment with other spices like cayenne, lemon zest, or parsley to enhance your easy air fryer cod recipe.
• Make it a meal: Serve your crispy air fryer cod with roasted green beans, a fresh salad, or oven-baked french fries for a full healthy dinner.
• Crisp it up again: To reheat, use the air fryer basket instead of the microwave—it keeps the coating crunchy.

---

With its golden crust, juicy interior, and bright pop of lemon, this Crispy Air Fryer Cod with Paprika & Garlic is everything you want in a quick seafood meal. Whether served with green beans for a healthy dinner or french fries for a fish-and-chips twist, it’s a meal you’ll come back to again and again. Simple, flavorful, and made with less oil, this is one of those cod fish recipes that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

---

Perfect Pairings

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and coating. Excess moisture can prevent crisping.

2. What other fish can I use besides cod?
Any firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or pollock works well. Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets.

3. How do I know when the fish is done?
Your air fryer cod fish is done when the internal temperature hits 145°F, and it flakes easily with a fork.

4. Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes, but you’ll lose some crispiness. If you’re gluten-free, try crushed rice crackers or almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs.

5. What sauces go well with this?
Homemade tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or even a light yogurt-based dill sauce pair beautifully with crispy air fryer cod.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just cook in batches to ensure each piece of fish cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Avoid stacking them—always cook in a single layer.