Discover the secret to perfectly cooked, flaky, and flavorful Air Fryer Cod in just 10 minutes. This recipe is your new weeknight hero, delivering a healthy and delicious meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Say goodbye to dry, bland fish forever and hello to a tender, juicy cod that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re using fresh or frozen fillets, the air fryer circulates hot air to cook the cod evenly, creating a delicate, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. It’s a simple, foolproof method that elevates this humble fish into a restaurant-quality dish. This recipe is a game-changer for busy families and anyone looking for a quick, healthy protein option.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cod Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in under 15 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for hectic weeknights.
- Healthy & Light: With just a light coating of oil and spices, it’s a low-carb, high-protein meal you can feel good about.
- Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer guarantees moist, flaky cod every single time without the risk of overcooking.
- Minimal Cleanup: Forget scrubbing pans. The air fryer basket is easy to clean, making your post-dinner routine a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create an incredibly flavorful dish.
- Cod Fillets: You can use fresh or frozen cod. Look for fillets that are about 1-inch thick for the best results.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes a beautiful, golden exterior.
- Paprika: Adds a touch of smoky flavor and rich color.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic base.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon wedges for serving are a must! The acidity brightens up the fish beautifully.
How to Make The Best Air Fryer Cod
Making delicious Air Fryer Cod is as easy as 1-2-3. Just season, cook, and serve!
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This is key to getting a nice sear on the outside of the fish.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for preventing the fish from steaming. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and rub it evenly over all sides.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the cod fillets.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. There’s no need to flip them! The fish is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Frozen Cod in the Air Fryer
No time to thaw? No problem! You can cook cod from frozen. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen fillets in the basket and cook for 5 minutes. Then, remove the basket, brush the fillets with oil, sprinkle on the seasonings, and continue to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and cooked through. The total time will be slightly longer, but the results are just as delicious.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the cod in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to ensure the hot air can circulate properly.
- Pat It Dry: For the best texture, make sure to pat the fillets thoroughly dry before adding oil and seasonings.
- Check for Doneness: The easiest way to check if cod is cooked is to see if it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Preheat is Key: Don’t skip the preheating step! It helps the fish cook quickly and evenly.
Flavor Variations
While the simple seasoning blend is classic, you can easily customize this Air Fryer Cod recipe. Try these variations:
- Lemon Herb: Mix dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Cajun: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Panko Crusted: For extra crunch, press panko breadcrumbs onto the oiled fillets after seasoning.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Cod
This versatile dish pairs well with almost anything. For a classic meal, serve it with a side of crispy Air Fryer French Fries and a simple green salad. It’s also delicious with steamed vegetables like Garlic Butter Green Beans or over a bed of fluffy rice. For a richer side, try our creamy gouda mashed potatoes.
Yes! You can cook cod directly from frozen. We recommend cooking the frozen fillets for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) first, then adding your oil and seasonings and cooking for another 8-10 minutes until flaky.
The cod is cooked through when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. For perfect results, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Ensure your cod is lightly coated in oil. You can also lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use a piece of perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.
Air fryer cod is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, french fries, rice, or quinoa. A squeeze of fresh lemon is a must!
We recommend cooking cod at 400°F (200°C). This high temperature cooks the fish quickly, keeping it moist and tender on the inside while creating a slightly crisp exterior.
Yes! You can cook cod directly from frozen. We recommend cooking the frozen fillets for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) first, then adding your oil and seasonings and cooking for another 8-10 minutes until flaky.
The cod is cooked through when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. For perfect results, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Ensure your cod is lightly coated in oil. You can also lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use a piece of perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.
Air fryer cod is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, french fries, rice, or quinoa. A squeeze of fresh lemon is a must!
We recommend cooking cod at 400°F (200°C). This high temperature cooks the fish quickly, keeping it moist and tender on the inside while creating a slightly crisp exterior.
Enjoy Your Perfect Air Fryer Cod!
This simple recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s fast, healthy, and incredibly tasty. If you try this Air Fryer Cod, let us know what you think in the comments below and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Air Fryer Cod: Perfectly Flaky Fish in 10 Minutes
This Air Fryer Cod recipe is incredibly fast, healthy, and delicious. Get perfectly flaky, moist fish with a simple seasoning blend in just 10 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
- Place the seasoned cod in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
For Frozen Cod: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook frozen fillets for 5 minutes. Brush with oil, season, and cook for another 8-10 minutes.
Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Air Fryer Cod: Perfectly Flaky Fish in 10 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat all sides.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
- Place the seasoned cod in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
