Crispy Air Fryer Cod Bites: Perfect Seafood Snack

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs thick-cut cod fillets, skinless and boneless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked, divided
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Cooking oil spray (avocado or high-smoke-point oil)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the cod fillets completely dry and cut into 1.5-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss the cod with olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.

2. 2

   Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, combine panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.

3. 3

   Dredge each cod piece: first in flour (shake off excess), then in egg (let excess drip off), and finally press firmly into the panko mixture to coat all sides.

4. 4

   Place the breaded cod on a plate and let rest for 10 minutes for the coating to set.

5. 5

   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

6. 6

   Working in batches, arrange the cod bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil spray.

7. 7

   Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

8. 8

   Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.