Craving classic breaded fish but want to keep it keto? This Air Fryer Breaded Cod delivers all the crunch and flavour of traditional fried fish—without the carbs or mess. Using almond flour and parmesan for the coating, you get a golden, savoury crust that’s naturally gluten-free and packed with healthy fats. The air fryer ensures the cod fillets cook quickly and evenly, resulting in flaky, tender fish with a satisfyingly crisp exterior.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 25 minutes and uses just a handful of simple ingredients. Serve it with a fresh salad or keto-friendly slaw for a complete meal that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle. The method is straightforward: dip the cod in egg, coat in the almond-parmesan mixture, and air fry until golden. You’ll love how easy it is to enjoy a classic comfort food—keto style!
At a glance
- Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 2
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Energy: 290 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 x 150g Cod fillets (Skinless, boneless)
- 40g Almond flour (Finely ground)
- 25g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 1 large Egg (Beaten)
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- as needed Olive oil spray (For misting)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Shallow bowls
- Tongs
- Baking parchment
- Measuring spoons
Steps
- Pat cod fillets dry with kitchen paper and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, parmesan, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Beat the egg in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each cod fillet into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press into the almond-parmesan mixture to coat all sides evenly.
- Line the air fryer basket with a piece of baking parchment (pierced with a few holes for airflow).
- Arrange the coated cod fillets in the basket in a single layer. Mist lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favourite keto side.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: eggs, fish, dairy, nuts
Potential swaps:
- Almond flour → Ground pork rinds — For a nut-free, equally crispy coating.
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavour.
- Egg → Unsweetened almond milk — For an egg-free version, though coating may be less crisp.
Serving Ideas
- Keto coleslaw – Adds crunch and a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Steamed broccoli – A simple, nutritious side that soaks up flavours.
- Lemon herb salad – Brightens the dish and keeps it light.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Pat the cod fillets very dry for the crispiest coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Mist the coated fish lightly with oil for extra golden crunch.
Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the coating for a spicy kick.
- Use white fish like haddock or pollock if cod isn’t available.
Troubleshooting
- If the coating isn’t crisp, air fry for 2–3 minutes longer.
- If breading falls off, ensure the fillets are dry and press the coating on firmly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover breaded cod in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Fridge: up to 2 days
- Freezer: up to 1 months
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 4–5 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Cod fillets: Lean, mild-flavoured fish that cooks quickly and pairs well with crunchy coatings.
Almond flour: A low-carb, gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs that adds nutty flavour and crunch.
Parmesan cheese: Boosts savoury flavour and helps the coating brown beautifully in the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before breading to ensure a crispy coating.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
Ground pork rinds make a great nut-free, crunchy alternative.
How do I know when the cod is cooked?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 63°C.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavour.
How do I prevent the breading from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Use baking parchment with holes or a silicone liner, and mist lightly with oil before air frying.
Keto Air Fryer Breaded Cod with Crispy Almond Crust
Ingredients
- 2 x 150g Cod fillets (Skinless, boneless)
- 40g Almond flour (Finely ground)
- 25g Parmesan cheese (Finely grated)
- 1 large Egg (Beaten)
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
- as needed Olive oil spray (For misting)
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry with kitchen paper and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, parmesan, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Beat the egg in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each cod fillet into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press into the almond-parmesan mixture to coat all sides evenly.
- Line the air fryer basket with a piece of baking parchment (pierced with a few holes for airflow).
- Arrange the coated cod fillets in the basket in a single layer. Mist lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until the crust is golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favourite keto side.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: eggs, fish, dairy, nuts
- Almond flour → Ground pork rinds — For a nut-free, equally crispy coating.
- Parmesan cheese → Nutritional yeast — For a dairy-free, cheesy flavour.
- Egg → Unsweetened almond milk — For an egg-free version, though coating may be less crisp.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Energy: 290 kcal
