Cod in Air Fryer

Introduction

Cooking fish in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get that crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior without deep frying or using much oil. Cod is a mild, flaky white fish that works perfectly in the air fryer. This Air Fryer Cod recipe is so quick and simple that you’ll want to make it on a regular basis.

With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have perfectly seasoned, golden-brown cod in under 20 minutes. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, toss it on a salad, or enjoy it with a drizzle of lemon for a light and healthy meal.

 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 2

• Difficulty: Easy

• Flavor Intensity: Mild (flaky cod with a light seasoning)

• Best For: Quick weeknight dinners, healthy meals, light lunch

 Ingredients

• 2 cod fillets (about 4-6 oz each), thawed if frozen

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Lemon wedges for serving

 Equipment Needed

• Air fryer

• Tongs or spatula

• Small bowl for seasoning

• Pastry brush (optional for oil)

• Plate or serving dish

 Instructions

 Step 1: Prepare the Cod

1. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick and also promote a crispy texture when air fried.

2. Lightly coat the fillets with olive oil. You can brush them with a pastry brush or spray them with cooking spray. This helps the seasoning adhere and creates a golden, crispy texture.

 Step 2: Season the Cod

1. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the cod fillets.

 Step 3: Air Fry the Cod

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

2. Place the seasoned cod fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure they cook evenly.

3. Air fry the cod fillets for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, cooking time may vary. The cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and be opaque and flaky when tested with a fork.

Pro Tip: If you want extra crispiness, you can spray the fillets with a little more cooking spray halfway through cooking.

 Step 4: Serve

Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.

Serve the cod with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and garnish with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch. Pair with sides like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

 Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1–2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the cod in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to retain its crispy texture.

Air-fried cod doesn’t store as well as some other cooked fish, so it’s best eaten fresh, but it’s still delicious the next day!

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Values are approximate and based on a 4-oz cod fillet with olive oil. Nutritional info may vary based on the exact size and type of cod used.