Cod meatballs in the air fryer: light, flavorful and very quick to prepare.
If you’re looking for an idea to get children to enjoy fish, these cod meatballs are the perfect solution! Light, tasty and very quick to prepare thanks to the air fryer, they are an ideal main course for a balanced dinner without sacrificing flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility: you can enjoy them as they are, perfect as finger food, or pair them with a fresh seasonal salad. If you prefer a rich, complete plate, do as I do: serve them with a side of peas and cherry tomatoes for an irresistible contrast of flavors.
Now let’s see how to prepare the cod meatballs in the air fryer.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Cooking time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4Servings
- Cooking methods: Air fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 14 oz cod (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs (medium)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- bunch parsley (fresh)
- to taste salt
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup water
Tools
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Air fryer parchment paper
- 1 Fork
How to prepare the cod meatballs in the air fryer
Place the frozen cod in a pan and add 1 cup of water so it partially covers the fish. Turn on the heat and cook for about 10 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the fish well and transfer it to a large bowl. Mash it thoroughly with a fork until it is completely flaked.
Add salt, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Begin to incorporate the breadcrumbs and mix everything well.
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. This step is important to prevent the heat of the fish from cooking the eggs instantly.
Once lukewarm, add the eggs (or the egg whites) and combine until you obtain a homogeneous, compact mixture.
With slightly damp hands, form balls.
Arrange the meatballs in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with a little oil and cook at 374°F for 20 minutes, remembering to turn them halfway through cooking so they become crispy on all sides.
Enjoy. Serve them immediately, hot and crispy as a tasty finger food. Pair with a fresh seasonal salad dressed with lemon. Serve alongside a flavorful side of peas and cherry tomatoes—perfect for dipping and creating a balanced one-dish meal.
Storage
You can store the cod meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To restore their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 356°F. If you used fresh cod, you can also freeze them after cooking.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I substitute the cod?
If you don’t have cod, you can use hake (very similar in flavor) or plaice fillet for an even milder taste.
Can I replace the whole eggs with just egg whites?
If you want a lighter or ‘fit’ version, you can replace the two whole eggs with three egg whites (about 3–4 oz). Egg whites have excellent binding power and will make your meatballs very compact and protein-rich while keeping the inside soft.
