1-First Step: Set up your breading station Start by getting three shallow bowls ready. In the first bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, add the beaten egg. In the third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes the breading process quick and tidy, and it helps each strip of cod get a nice even coating. Before you touch the fish, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating matters because it helps the food start crisping right away. It also gives you better airflow, which is a big part of getting that golden finish.

2-Second Step: Dry the fish well Pat the cod strips dry with paper towels. This is one of the most important steps in the whole recipe. If the fish has too much moisture, the coating can slide off and turn soft instead of crisp. Dry fish also helps the flour mixture stick better, which gives you a stronger crust. Dry fish plus a hot air fryer is the secret to crunchy Air Fryer Fish And Chips.

3-Third Step: Coat the cod in layers Take one piece of cod at a time and dredge it first in the flour mixture. Make sure each side gets a light coating, then shake off the extra flour. Next, dip it into the beaten egg. Let any extra egg drip off before moving to the final bowl. After that, press the fish into the panko breadcrumbs so the crumbs stick well. Use a gentle touch here. You do not want to mash the fish. A light press is enough to help the breadcrumbs cling without packing them down too much. That is what gives the finished fish its airy crunch.

4-Fourth Step: Add oil spray and place in the basket Once the fish is coated, place the strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. If the pieces are too close together, the hot air cannot move around them well, and you may end up with soft spots instead of crisp edges. Spray both sides lightly with oil. You do not need much. Just enough to help the crumbs turn golden and crunchy. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches rather than stuffing everything in at once.

5-Fifth Step: Air fry until crispy and golden Cook the fish at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through. The exact time depends on the thickness of your cod and the model of your air fryer. Thicker strips may need an extra 1 to 2 minutes, while thinner strips may finish a little sooner. When you flip the fish, do it carefully so the coating stays on. A spatula can help if the pieces feel delicate. The fish should look lightly golden and feel crisp on the outside.

6-Sixth Step: Check for doneness The best way to tell if the fish is ready is to check whether it flakes easily with a fork. Cod should separate into tender pieces with very little effort. If it still looks translucent or feels firm in the center, put it back in the air fryer for 1 to 2 more minutes. Because air fryer models vary, this little doneness check is more helpful than relying on the clock alone. That way, you get fish that is cooked through but still moist inside.

7-Final Step: Serve right away Serve the fish immediately while the coating is still crisp. Add tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side. If you want to keep the meal more traditional, serve it with fries or chips. The bright lemon and creamy tartar sauce balance the savory crust beautifully. For more seafood inspiration, you may also enjoy this fish piccata recipe, which is another simple, family-friendly option for busy nights.