This Air Fryer Cod with Herb Crust and Lemony Butter Beans is a light yet deeply satisfying dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Flaky cod fillets are topped with a crisp, herby parmesan crumb and baked over creamy, citrus-infused butter beans. It’s a wholesome one-pot meal that feels comforting without being heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Perfectly flaky cod with a golden, crispy herb crust
• Creamy, lemony butter beans that add brightness and richness
• High in protein and naturally lower in fat
• Cooked entirely in the air fryer for convenience and precision
• Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights
• Easily adaptable to other white fish
• A balanced meal with no need for extra sides

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
400 g butter beans, drained and rinsed
2 thick cod fillets (about 150–180 g each)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
7 g fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche
1 large lemon (zest and juice)
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1/2 cup vegetable stock
3 tablespoons grated parmesan
1 teaspoon olive oil (for coating crumbs lightly)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

For garnish:
Extra chopped parsley as needed
Light drizzle of olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the herb crumb. Finely chop the parsley and zest the lemon. In a bowl, combine half of the chopped parsley, half of the lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan. Drizzle in 1 teaspoon olive oil and mix until the crumbs are lightly coated.
2. Prepare the cod. Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels. Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise evenly over the top of each fillet. Press the mayonnaise-coated side into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere the crumb.
3. Make the lemony butter beans. In a high-sided roasting dish that fits inside your air fryer basket, combine the grated garlic, drained butter beans, remaining lemon zest, sour cream or crème fraîche, and vegetable stock. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook the beans first. Place the dish in the air fryer and cook at 175°C for 12 minutes, until the beans are bubbling and slightly thickened.
5. Season the beans. Carefully remove the basket, stir in the remaining chopped parsley, and season with salt, black pepper, and 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice to taste.
6. Add the cod. Nestle the cod fillets crumb side up on top of the beans. Scatter any remaining crumb mixture over the fish and beans.
7. Final cook. Return to the air fryer and cook at 170°C for 10–15 minutes, or until the crumb is golden and the fish flakes easily when gently pressed. The internal temperature of the cod should reach 63°C at the thickest part.
8. Serve immediately. Spoon the creamy beans onto plates, top with the crispy cod, and garnish with extra parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use a different white fish such as halibut, hake, sea bass, or grouper. Adjust cooking time if the fillets are thinner.
• Make it gluten-free by replacing panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely chopped almonds.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the beans for gentle heat.
• Stir baby spinach into the beans during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• Swap butter beans for cannellini beans, navy beans, great northern beans, or borlotti beans.
• Replace parmesan with a finely grated aged hard cheese alternative if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 170°C for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the crispy topping.

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy beans and crumb topping may lose their texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The fish should flake easily when gently pressed with a fork. For accuracy, use a thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 63°C.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes. Bake the beans at 190°C (fan) for 12–15 minutes, then add the cod and continue baking for 12–18 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Can I prepare the beans ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare and refrigerate the bean mixture a few hours in advance. Cook as directed when ready to serve.

What if my cod fillets are thinner?

Reduce the second cooking stage by a few minutes. Thinner fillets may cook in 8–10 minutes.

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it very dry before adding the mayonnaise and crumb topping.

Is this dish healthy?

It is high in protein, rich in fiber from the beans, and relatively moderate in fat, making it a balanced and nourishing meal.

Can I reduce the calories?

You can use light mayonnaise and light sour cream, and slightly reduce the parmesan without compromising flavor too much.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

It is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free hard cheese substitute in place of parmesan.

Why cook the beans before adding the fish?

Cooking the beans first ensures the sauce thickens properly and prevents the fish from overcooking while waiting for the beans to bubble and reduce.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cod with Herb Crust and Lemony Butter Beans is a simple yet impressive dish that proves cooking fish at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With flaky, perfectly cooked cod and creamy citrus-infused beans, this recipe delivers comfort, freshness, and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or looking for a reliable weeknight dinner, this one-pot air fryer meal is a dependable and delicious choice.

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