🐟 Air Fryer Cod & Chips (Oil-Free)
Crispy on the outside, flaky inside — classic fish and chips made lighter with zero oil.
⏱ Time
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Prep: 25 minutes (includes soaking chips)
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Cook: 20–25 minutes
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Total: ~45 minutes
🍽 Serves
2–3 people
📝 Ingredients
For the Cod
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2–3 cod fillets (fresh or thawed)
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Salt & black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
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½ tsp dried parsley or mixed herbs
For the Coating
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1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (recommended for extra crunch)
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Optional: 2 tbsp grated parmesan
For the Chips
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3–4 medium potatoes (russet / Maris Piper)
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Salt & pepper
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Optional seasoning: paprika, garlic powder, or peri-peri spice
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chips
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Peel (optional) and cut potatoes into even chips.
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Soak in cold water for 20–30 minutes.
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Drain and pat completely dry.
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Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
Air Fry:
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180°C / 360°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway
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Increase to 200°C / 390°F for 3–5 minutes for extra crispiness
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Set aside and keep warm
2️⃣ Prepare the Cod
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Pat cod fillets dry.
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Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs.
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Press fillets into breadcrumbs until fully coated.
💡 If crumbs don’t stick:
Lightly brush the cod with egg white, mustard, or Greek yogurt — still oil-free.
3️⃣ Air Fry the Cod
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Preheat air fryer to 190°C / 375°F
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Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
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Fish should be golden and flake easily with a fork
4️⃣ Serve
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Plate cod with chips
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Add lemon wedges 🍋
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Optional sides: mushy peas, salad, or yogurt-based tartar sauce
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry very well before seasoning.
Q: Why soak the potatoes?
Soaking removes excess starch, helping the chips get crisp without oil.
Q: Can I skip breadcrumbs?
You can, but it won’t be “breaded cod.” For crunch without crumbs, season well and cook directly.
Q: How do I stop the fish from drying out?
Don’t overcook. Cod is done when it flakes easily — usually 10–12 minutes depending on thickness.
Q: What breadcrumbs are best?
Panko gives the crispiest result. Regular breadcrumbs work but are slightly softer.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes! Air fry at 180°C / 360°F for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it softens the coating.
Q: Is this really oil-free?
Yep! No added oil needed — just proper drying, spacing, and air-frying.
