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- 1 lb cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley - Additional seasoning options In this recipe, I focus on using fresh, simple ingredients. Cod fillets form the base, bringing a mild fish flavor that pairs well with garlic and butter. The unsalted butter adds richness, while fresh parsley brightens the dish. For flavor, I use minced garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Each ingredient plays its part to create a well-rounded taste. Panko breadcrumbs provide that crunchy coating we all love. The salt and pepper finish the mix, enhancing all the other flavors. You can get creative with garnishes too. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You might want to sprinkle on some extra spices if you like a little heat or zing. This recipe is all about making it your own! To start, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Add fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they blend well. This mixture adds rich flavor to your cod bites. Next, gently add the cod pieces to the bowl. Make sure each piece gets coated in the garlic butter mix. Let the cod marinate for about 15 minutes. This step is key; it lets the flavors seep in. While your cod marinates, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your cod bites cook evenly. Once the air fryer is ready, take the marinated cod pieces. Roll each piece in Panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. This will give them a crunchy texture. Now, it’s time to cook! Place the breadcrumb-coated cod bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. To help them crisp up, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook the cod bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to achieve even browning. They should turn a lovely golden brown and become crispy. Once done, carefully transfer them to a serving platter. For a fresh touch, sprinkle additional chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod Bites! Marinating the cod is key to great flavor. It allows the fish to soak up the garlic and herbs. I suggest marinating for at least 15 minutes. You can go longer if you want a stronger taste. To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on the time while air frying. Cod cooks fast. Aim for 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip halfway for even cooking. If your cod bites are golden brown, they are ready! You can add more flavor with a few extra spices. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. A dash of Italian seasoning can also work well. If you need substitutions, use olive oil if you lack butter. You can swap fresh parsley for cilantro or dill. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting! Cleaning your air fryer is easy but important. After each use, let it cool. Then, wipe down the basket and the inside with a damp cloth. Use warm, soapy water for tough spots. To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket. If you have many cod bites, cook in batches. This allows hot air to circulate freely, giving you that perfect crispiness. {{image_4}} You can substitute cod with other fish, like tilapia or haddock. These fish work well with the garlic butter flavors. If you're looking for a non-fish option, try shrimp or even chicken bites. They can soak up the same tasty marinade. For a vegetarian twist, consider using firm tofu or tempeh. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and marinate them just like the cod. This will give you a great flavor while keeping it meat-free. Mix up the herbs and spices to suit your taste. You can use dill, thyme, or even oregano. Each will give your cod bites a unique twist. If you're a fan of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also incorporate cheese into your recipe. Try mixing in some grated Parmesan with the Panko breadcrumbs. This will add a rich, cheesy flavor to your bites. For a different texture, use crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips instead of Panko. Serve your cod bites with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. They pair well with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also try them with crispy fries for a fun twist. For dips, consider a zesty lemon aioli or a creamy garlic sauce. These will enhance the flavors and give you a delightful bite. You can even make a spicy sriracha mayo for those who love a kick! To store your cod bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each cod bite in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat cod bites, the air fryer is your best friend. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes. A microwave is not recommended as it can make them soggy. In the fridge, your prepared cod bites last three days. Look for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or have a slimy texture, it’s best to toss them. Always trust your senses; if it seems bad, it probably is. You can marinate cod for about 15 to 30 minutes. This time allows the fish to soak up the garlic butter flavors. If you let it sit too long, the fish may become mushy. Keep it short for the best texture and taste. Yes, you can prepare the cod bites ahead. Marinate the cod and coat it in breadcrumbs. Place them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. When ready, air fry them for a quick meal. This saves you time and still delivers a fresh taste. To get a crispy texture, use Panko breadcrumbs. They add crunch and lightness. Also, lightly spray the cod bites with cooking spray before air frying. Flipping them halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly. You can use frozen cod, but it's best to thaw it first. This helps the cod cook evenly. If you use it frozen, increase cooking time by a few minutes. Cook until the bites are golden brown and fully cooked through. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod Bites blend great taste and simple steps. We explored key ingredients, shared cooking tips, and discussed smart storage. Each bite delivers flavor and crispness. These cod bites are easy to make and offer room for creativity. Try different proteins or flavors to keep things fresh. Enjoy your crispy treats and share them with family or friends!

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod Bites

Indulge in these delicious air fryer garlic butter cod bites that are sure to impress! With tender cod fillets, a savory garlic butter marinade, and a crispy Panko coating, this recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare. Perfect for a delightful appetizer or a main dish, these bites bring the flavor without the fuss. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat your taste buds today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until well incorporated.

    Gently add the cod pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the garlic butter mixture. Allow the cod to marinate for approximately 15 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.

      While the cod is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it's hot enough for a perfect cook.

        Once the cod has finished marinating, take each piece and individually roll them in the Panko breadcrumbs until fully coated, creating a nice crunchy exterior.

          Place the breadcrumb-coated cod bites in a single layer within the air fryer basket. To encourage crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the cod bites with cooking spray.

            Air fry the cod bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp.

              Carefully transfer the crispy cod bites to a serving platter. For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 25 min | Serves 4