Crispy Garlic Cod Bites

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Cod

• 1½ lbs (680 g) cod fillets, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)

For the Garlic Butter

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Season the cod. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Toss the cod pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Coat the fish. Mix the flour and cornstarch in a bowl. Dredge each piece of cod until lightly coated. Shake off any excess.
4. Bake. Arrange the cod pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and the fish flakes easily.
5. Make the garlic butter. While the fish bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Finish. Toss the hot cod bites gently in the garlic butter or drizzle it over the top before serving.

Air Fryer Method

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
• Cook the cod bites for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Serving Ideas

• Tartar sauce or garlic aioli
• Lemon wedges
• French fries or roasted potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Rice or a fresh green salad

Tip: Patting the cod completely dry before coating it helps the outside crisp up while keeping the inside moist and flaky.