Air Fryer Cod (Crispy, Quick & Perfect for Busy Weeknights)
This buttery cod is topped with crispy golden Ritz cracker crumbs, fresh herbs, and bright lemon zest. It cooks in under 10 minutes in the air fryer and comes out perfectly flaky every time.
Servings: 6
Calories: 243kcal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs skinless cod fillets
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed (about 35 crackers or ½ sleeve)
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chives finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- lemon wedges and extra parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the cod. Rinse the fish fillets in cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Ritz Topping. Add the Ritz crackers to a small bowl. Using your hands, crush the crackers into coarse crumbs. To the same bowl, add the melted butter, parsley, chives, lemon zest, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until the crumbs cling together like damp sand.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400℉ for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the cod (without the topping). Place cod in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 7-8 minutes ot partially cook the fish. (See note below about cooking times.). Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish in batches.
- Add the topping and finish. Remove the air fryer basket and press the Ritz mixture gently on top of the cod fillets. Lightly mist with olive oil spray for een browning. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 3-5 more minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Cooking time will vary depending on how thick your fillets are. For thicker fillets, about an inch or so thick, cook as directed above. Reduce the cook time for thinner fillets. If you're unsure, check the internal temperature of the cod as it cooks. You're looking for a temp of 145 degrees F to know that it's done.
- Cook the cod in an even layer - don't stack or overlap the fish! This will ensure the air is able to circulate freely and will allow the fish to cook more evenly. If all of the fish does not fit in your air fryer at once, cook it in batches.
- Don't skip the preheating step. This helps to get your fish crispy and helps ensure that the fish cook more evenly.
Nutrition
Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 656mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
