Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: Air fryer cod is an easy, healthy main dish that’s ready to eat in minutes. I’ve got the perfect seasoning blend to make it delicious!
How long it takes: 15 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: air fryer
Servings: 4
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItWhat did we do before the air fryer?! This little kitchen appliance has completely spoiled me when it comes to weeknight dinners. It’s hard to justify turning on the oven when I know the air fryer will get things done so much faster. This air fryer cod, for example? Done in 15 minutes!
Tasty (easy!) Air Fryer Cod
Mild flavor. If you have picky eaters, air fryer cod (and this Parmesan baked cod) might just convert them on seafood. Cod has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a soft, flaky texture. That means you can pair all kinds of seasonings and sauces with it. I use a simple savory blend but you can also try salmon seasoning or Cajun seasoning to put your own spin on this recipe.
Easy to make. This recipe requires minimal prep time, minimal cooking time, and most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s ready to eat in just 15 minutes.
Perfectly cooked fish. The magic of the air fryer gives cod fillets a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and perfect. It’s a quick, hassle-free option for weeknight dinners, especially since you can serve air fryer cod as is or use it as a component of other dishes.
Versatile. Switch up the seasonings, fancy it up with sauces, or use your air fryer cod for protein in salads, meal bowls, sandwiches, and more.
Ingredient Notes
- Cod fillets: Use skinless and boneless fillets. Frozen cod is fine; refer to the package instructions for thawing. We did a side-by-side comparison of two brands of frozen cod and found that the store brand cod had a tougher texture and less flavor than a slightly more expensive brand.
- Olive oil: A small amount of oil is needed for the air fryer to work its magic. It helps brown the exterior and adds flavor, too.
- Seasonings: All you need are simple pantry ingredients. I like a blend of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper. You can easily put your own spin on this recipe by using your favorite seasoning blend.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens up the flavor.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, if desired.
Recipe Tip
I prefer thick fillets, about ¾ inch to 1 inch thick. They tend to have more moisture and a milder flavor than thin cod fillets. Choose a good brand; some we tested were tougher and not as flavorful.
How to Make Air Fryer Cod
Make the seasoning mixture. Stir together the seasonings and olive oil in a small bowl.
Season the fish. Pat the cod dry, then brush it with the seasoning mixture on all sides.
Cook. Set the fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving some room between them for air to circulate, and air fry at 400ºF for 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and/or reaches 145ºF on an instant-reader thermometer. You don’t need to flip it.
Serve. Plate the air fryer cod and serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. Keep reading for more ways you can serve air fryer cod.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetables. Air fryer cod pairs well with almost any vegetable. Keep things easy with sautéed zucchini or sugar snap peas.
- Potatoes. For a healthier version of fish and chips, make a batch of air fryer French fries or air fryer sweet potato fries. Keep them warm in the oven while you air fry the cod.
- Green salad. This barley salad with tomatoes, cucumber and parsley would be delicious with air fryer cod.
More Ways To Serve Air Fryer Cod
- Fish tacos. Flake the cooked cod fillets and use them as a filling for your favorite fish taco recipe. Add toppings like salsa, pico de gallo, avocado, and cilantro.
- Fish sandwiches and wraps. Serve the cod in a tortilla or on a bun with creamy coleslaw or homemade tartar sauce. Tzatziki, a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce, is perfect with fish, too.
- Salads. Top a bed of greens with cod and balsamic vinaigrette. Add tomatoes and cucumber, too.
- Meal bowls. Add protein to any meal bowl by adding air fried cod.
Refrigerator: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Air fryer cod can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
To reheat: For the best results, I recommend reheating in the air fryer at 350ºF for just a few minutes, or until the cod is warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it’s likely to ruin the texture of the reheated fillets.
Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, 4 to 6 oz. each (skinless and boneless, thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, more if desired
- lemon wedges, for serving
- minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning mixture.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, more if desired
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of the cod fillets with the seasoned olive oil mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.4 cod fillets, 4 to 6 oz. each
- Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry the cod fillets at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets (see note). Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the cod fillet. The fish should flake easily and appear opaque all the way through when done. The internal temperature should be 145°F when tested with an instant read thermometer.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Cod: We prefer thicker fillets, ¾ to 1 inch thick. Thinner pieces have a drier texture and a stronger fish flavor. Choose a good quality cod. We found that some brands weren’t as tender or flavorful.
- Seasoning: The cod can be seasoned any way you prefer. Use pre-mixed seasoning blends or make your own.
- Serving ideas: Air fryer cod is perfect for fish tacos, fish sandwiches, or wraps. Refer to the post for more suggestions.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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