Battered Cod Bites

Introduction

If you're a fan of fish and chips or just love the savoury taste of crispy, golden-brown battered fish, then you're in for a treat. This article will guide you through creating delicious and easy-to-make battered cod bites that are perfect for air frying. Light and crunchy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, these cod bites are sure to be a hit at your next family meal or gathering.

Crispy Battered Cod Bites

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for the ultimate battered cod bites:

  • 500g cod fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 150g plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 200ml cold sparkling water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon malt vinegar (optional, for seasoning)
  • Cooking spray
  • Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving
Ingredients for Battered Cod Bites

Preparation

Follow these steps to prepare your battered cod bites for air frying:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F). This will ensure that the cod bites cook evenly and become crispy.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This will form the basis of your batter.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the cold sparkling water and egg until well combined. Gently fold this mixture into the dry ingredients to make a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a denser batter.
  4. Pat the cod pieces dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure that the batter adheres properly to the fish.
  5. Dip each piece of cod into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, then place them on a plate ready for air frying.

Air Frying the Cod Bites

Now that your cod bites are prepped, it's time to cook them to perfection in the air fryer:

  1. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
  2. Place the battered cod bites in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  3. Spray the tops of the cod bites with a little more cooking spray to aid in crisping.
  4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 60°C (140°F) to ensure the fish is cooked through.
  5. Remove the cod bites carefully with tongs and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Air Fried Battered Cod Bites

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious battered cod bites hot with lemon wedges and your favourite dipping sauces such as tartar sauce or a spicy aioli. For a complete meal, pair them with some chunky chips or a fresh salad. Your guests will be blown away by the crispy texture and flavourful taste!

Conclusion

This simple recipe brings the classic flavours of battered fish into the modern kitchen through the power of air frying. Not only does this method yield perfectly crispy results, but it also reduces the amount of oil typically required for deep frying, making it a healthier option. We hope you enjoy making and devouring these tasty battered cod bites!