Panko Crusted Cod (Oven and Air Fryer)

Ingredients

• 1-1.5 lb cod fillets (about 3-4 ounces each, thawed if frozen)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1.5 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1.5 tablespoons mustard (regular yellow or Dijon)
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (unseasoned)
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (the stuff from the green container is fine here!)
• 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence (or your favorite dried herbs, such as dried basil or dried oregano)
• oil sprayer with vegetable oil
• lemon wedges and fresh diced parsley leaves x (for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Oven instructions ---

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray a large baking sheet with vegetable oil.

3. 3

   If your cod was previously frozen, give the cod a gentle squeeze to squeeze out any extra liquid. The more you squeeze out, the crispier the panko topping will be, but be sure not to smush the cod fillets.

4. 4

   Combine the salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. Season the cod with this mixture on all sides.

5. 5

   On a large dinner plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and dried herbs and mix well.

6. 6

   In a small/medium bowl, mix together the mayo and mustard.

7. 7

   Brush the mustard mixture on top of the cod fillets in a thin layer. Press the cod fillets mustard side down into the breadcrumbs. If you want, you can also press the other side into the breadcrumbs, but it's not necessary.

8. 8

   Gently place the breaded cod fillets onto the prepared baking sheet.

9. 9

   Bake at 400F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cod is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 145F. If you are using broiler-safe baking equipment, you can turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown the top. Keep an eye on the cod to make sure it doesn't burn under the broiler!

10. 10

    Carefully remove from the oven, squeeze some lemon wedges and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve warm.

11. 11

    --- Air fryer cooking instructions ---

12. 12

    Follow the steps above to coat brush the cod with mustard/mayo and coat it in breadcrumbs.

13. 13

    If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 350F.

14. 14

    Place the breaded cod into the air fryer basket or tray. Spray the tops with vegetable oil.

15. 15

    Air fry at 350F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cod is cooked to an internal temperature of 145F. If you notice the breadcrumbs getting too brown halfway through cooking, lower the temperature to 320F and cook until the cod is cooked through.

16. 16

    Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.