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Crispy air fryer cod nuggets with a golden crunchy coating, flaky fish, and fresh lemon wedges
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Air Fryer Cod Nuggets - Crispy, Light, and Ready in Minutes

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds cod fillets, skinless, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or use all panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to finish
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • Cooking spray or 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado oil)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional dips: tartar sauce, spicy mayo, honey mustard, or yogurt-dill sauce

Instructions

  • Prep the cod: Pat the cod pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick and gives you better browning.
  • Set up your dredging station: In one shallow bowl, add flour. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and Dijon. In a third bowl, mix panko, plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  • Coat the nuggets: Working a few pieces at a time, dredge cod in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture so it sticks on all sides.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for 3 minutes. A hot basket helps crisp the coating.
  • Oil lightly: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer with space between. Lightly mist the tops with spray or brush with a little oil.
  • Air fry, flip, finish: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the nuggets, spray again, and cook 4–6 more minutes, until the coating is golden and the fish flakes easily. Internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C).
  • Season and serve: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot. Add a squeeze of lemon and serve with your favorite dip.
  • Cook in batches if needed: If your basket is small, don’t crowd it. Keep cooked nuggets warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while finishing the rest.