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- 1 lb cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) - Cooking spray To make these air fryer garlic butter cod bites, you need a few key ingredients. Start with one pound of cod fillets. You want to cut these into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to eat. Next, melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter. This butter will mix with garlic to give a rich flavor. You will also need four cloves of garlic. Mince these finely to release their strong taste. Now, let's add some freshness and spice. Grab one tablespoon of fresh parsley. Chop this up and set aside. You also need one teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of paprika. These will make your cod bites taste bright and flavorful. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season them to your liking! For a crispy finish, use half a cup of breadcrumbs. I suggest Panko breadcrumbs. They add extra crunch. Lastly, have some cooking spray ready. This will help the cod bites crisp up in the air fryer. When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for a delicious dish. Each component plays a role in making the cod bites flaky and flavorful. First, you need to create the garlic butter mixture. In a bowl, combine: - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients well. This mixture will give your cod bites rich flavor. Then, take your cod pieces and toss them in the garlic butter mixture. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes. This step helps the flavors soak in. While the cod marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking. After 15 minutes, take the marinated cod out of the bowl. Roll each piece in breadcrumbs. I recommend using Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Once coated, place the cod bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely. Now it's time to cook! Air fry the cod bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through. This helps them brown evenly. You want them to turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, carefully remove the cod bites from the air fryer. Place them on a serving plate and garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh look. Enjoy your delicious, flaky bites! To make your cod bites extra crunchy, use Panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives a light and crispy texture that adds a delightful crunch. Make sure you cut your cod into pieces that are all the same size. This helps them cook evenly. If some pieces are bigger, they may not cook as well as the smaller ones. You can boost the flavor of your cod bites by adding spices. Try a pinch of cayenne for heat or mix in Italian herbs for a fresh taste. Instead of using fresh lemon juice, consider lemon zest. It adds a bright, citrus flavor that really pops! Keep an eye on your air fryer while cooking. This helps prevent overcooking. If your cod pieces are bigger than normal, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Always flip the cod halfway through to ensure an even cook. This way, you will have tasty, golden bites every time. {{image_2}} You can change the fish in this recipe. Instead of cod, try using tilapia or haddock. Both are light and flaky, just like cod. If you want a seafood twist, you can use shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and will soak up all the garlic butter flavor. If you need a gluten-free version, switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work great and keep the bites crispy. For a healthier option, replace the butter with olive oil. Olive oil adds richness while keeping the dish light. Feel free to mix up the herbs in your cod bites. Try adding dill or cilantro for a fresh taste. You can also add spices like cumin or curry powder. These spices give the dish a unique flavor that is sure to impress your guests. To store your cod bites, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the bites. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. To reheat cod bites, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you must use the microwave, place a paper towel under the cod bites to absorb moisture. You can freeze cooked cod bites for later. To do this, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to two months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw the bites in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer as mentioned before for the best results. You should marinate the cod bites for about 15 minutes. This time allows the garlic butter mix to soak into the fish, giving it great flavor. If you have a bit more time, you can let it marinate for up to 30 minutes. Just be careful not to go too long, as the fish can become mushy. Yes, you can use frozen cod! If you choose frozen cod, make sure to thaw it first. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. After thawing, pat the fish dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better during cooking. Absolutely! To bake the cod bites in a traditional oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated cod bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get an even crisp. You might miss out on that air fryer crunch, but they will still taste delicious! You can serve these bites with many tasty sides! Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic mashed potatoes for a creamy touch - Steamed broccoli or green beans for color and health - Rice or quinoa for a filling addition Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered all you need for making tasty air fryer garlic butter cod bites, from ingredients to cooking tips. You learned about the best seasonings, how to prep the cod, and perfect cooking methods. Whether you stick with cod or try other proteins, enjoy the journey of flavors. Remember, adjusting spices and cooking techniques can help you create your perfect dish. Keep experimenting and savoring your meals!

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod Bites

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Garlic Butter Cod Bites with this easy recipe! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these bite-sized cod pieces are infused with tasty garlic butter, making them the ultimate seafood treat for any occasion. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

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

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

    Add the cod pieces to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly in the garlic butter mixture. Let marinate for about 15 minutes.

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

        After marinating, remove the cod pieces and individually roll each piece in breadcrumbs until fully coated.

          Place the coated cod bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

            Air fry the cod bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

              Carefully remove the cod bites from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

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