Go Back
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Zest of 1 lime - Olive oil spray You can add flavor to the dish with some optional seasonings. Try adding: - 1/2 teaspoon paprika for a smoky taste. - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat. - Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness. These add-ins can enhance the taste and bring a new twist to the cod. Each serving of this coconut crusted cod contains: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 3g This dish is a great balance of protein and carbs. It provides a tasty meal that won't break your diet. Enjoy it guilt-free! To create the tasty coating, grab a shallow dish. Mix 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and the zest of 1 lime. Stir this mix well. The coconut gives a nice crunch, while the panko adds lightness. Set this aside for now. Next, take another shallow dish and add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Coat each cod fillet lightly in the flour. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. This step helps the egg stick better. Then, dip the floured fillets into 2 beaten eggs. Make sure they are covered in egg. This will help the coconut mixture stick to the fish. Now, take the egg-coated cod and transfer it to the coconut-panko mix. Press down firmly on the fillets. This ensures the coating sticks well. Make sure every inch of the fish is covered in this tasty crust. Before you cook, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats up, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the crusted cod fillets in the basket in a single layer. Leave some space between them for even cooking. Spray the tops of the fillets lightly with olive oil as well. Cook the cod for about 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through, flip the fillets so they cook evenly. You’ll know they are done when the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove the cod and let it rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy this crispy delight! To get that crispy texture, follow these steps: - Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod fillets yield the best results. - Dry the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick. - Even Coating: Ensure even coverage of the coconut and panko mix. Press down firmly for a good grip. - Spray Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the fillets with olive oil. This promotes browning and crispiness. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for: - Skipping the Flour: Always coat the cod in flour first. This helps the egg and coating stick better. - Overcrowding the Basket: Cook in batches if needed. This allows hot air to circulate and cooks the fish evenly. - Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating is key. It ensures the cod cooks quickly and crisps up nicely. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this dish: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the crusted cod on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Pan-fry Method: Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the cod for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This method adds a lovely flavor but may use more oil. These tips and tricks will ensure that your coconut-crusted cod is a hit every time you make it! {{image_2}} You can make this recipe gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. Use gluten-free flour for dredging. For the coating, look for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. This way, you can still enjoy that crunchy texture without gluten. You can spice things up easily! Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for heat. If you love fresh herbs, mix chopped cilantro or parsley into the coating. You can also add lemon zest instead of lime for a different citrus twist. Experiment with flavors to find what you like best! Pair your coconut crusted cod with fun sides. A tropical mango salsa adds sweetness and color. You can also serve it with a fresh salad, like a citrus or avocado salad. Rice or quinoa makes a great base too. These sides enhance the meal and balance the flavors perfectly. After cooking, let the cod cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. Cod stays fresh for about 2-3 days. Make sure to store the cod without the sauce. This keeps the crust crispy. To reheat, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the crust crunchy. You can also use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-12 minutes. You can freeze the uncooked, coated cod. Place the coated fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This method saves space. The frozen cod lasts for about 2 months. When ready, cook from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To keep the coating on your cod, follow these steps: - Make sure to coat the fish in flour first. This helps the egg stick better. - Press the coconut-panko mix firmly onto the cod. This helps it stick well. - Don’t rush the cooking. Let it cook until golden brown to seal in the crust. If you follow these tips, your cod will have a nice, crunchy coating. Yes, you can use other fish! Some great options are: - Tilapia - Halibut - Catfish - Salmon Each fish has its own flavor and texture. Adjust the cooking time as needed. Thicker fish may need more time. Coconut crusted cod can be a healthy choice. Here are some reasons why: - Cod is low in calories and high in protein. - The unsweetened coconut adds fiber and healthy fats. - Using an air fryer cuts down on oil, making it lighter. Pair it with fresh veggies or a salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy your healthy, tasty dish! In this blog post, we covered making coconut-crusted cod from start to finish. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. Remember to choose the right fish and seasonings to fit your taste. Crispy cod can be easy and fun to make. Try different seasonings and sides to keep it fresh. With these cooking methods and storage tips, you can enjoy this dish anytime. Dive into the world of coconut-crusted cod and impress your taste buds!

Air Fryer Coconut Crusted Cod

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Air Fryer Coconut Crusted Cod recipe! This crispy and flavorful dish is simple to prepare, featuring tender cod fillets coated in a crunchy coconut and panko mixture. It pairs perfectly with mango salsa for a tropical twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a quick and healthy option for any night of the week. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the tropics to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Zest of 1 lime

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime zest. Set aside.

    Dredge the Cod: In a separate dish, place the all-purpose flour. Coat each cod fillet lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

      Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured cod fillets into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.

        Crust the Fillets: Transfer the egg-coated fillets into the coconut-panko mixture. Press down firmly to ensure the coating adheres to the fish.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

            Air Fry the Cod: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the crusted cod fillets in the basket in a single layer. Spray the tops of the fillets lightly with olive oil.

              Cooking Time: Cook the cod for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

                Serve: Remove the cod from the air fryer, and let it rest for a minute before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the coconut-crusted cod on a wooden platter with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a tropical touch. Pair with a side of mango salsa for added color and flavor!