Name: Air Fryer Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets; 4 teaspoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 teaspoons lemon juice

Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly easy and delicious Air Fryer Cod! It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Trust me, this recipe will become your new go-to for quick, healthy, and absolutely scrumptious seafood dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. It’s faster than ordering takeout!
Healthier Option: Air frying uses minimal oil, making this a lighter alternative to pan-fried or battered fish.
Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer gives you beautifully flaky cod with a slightly crispy exterior every single time.
Versatile: This recipe works great with other white fish too, so you can mix it up based on what’s fresh at your local market.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cod fillets: The star of the show! They’re mild, flaky, and perfect for absorbing flavors.
Olive oil: Just a touch to help the seasonings stick and promote browning.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Don’t skimp!
Garlic powder: For a punch of savory goodness without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Paprika: Adds a lovely color and subtle smokiness.
Black pepper: For a bit of heat and depth.
Lemon juice: The secret weapon that brightens everything up.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Herb it out: Mix in some dried herbs like thyme or oregano with the spices.
Go tropical: Swap the lemon for lime and add a sprinkle of coconut flakes before air frying.
Mediterranean twist: Top with a mixture of chopped olives, tomatoes, and feta after cooking.

How to Make Air Fryer Cod

Step 1: Season the Fish

Give each fillet a nice brush of olive oil, then sprinkle on that flavorful spice mix. Make sure to coat both sides for maximum deliciousness!

Step 2: Preheat and Cook

Crank up that air fryer to 400°F. Pop in two fillets and let them sizzle for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Lemon and Finish Cooking

Here’s where the magic happens! Drizzle on that lemon juice and cook for another 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily and reaches 145°F inside.

Step 4: Repeat and Serve

Do the same with the remaining fillets, then garnish with some fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges. Voila! Dinner is served!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose fillets of similar size for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – give those fillets some breathing room!
Preheat your air fryer for that perfect crispy exterior.
The lemon juice isn’t just a garnish – it really makes the flavors pop!

How to Serve

This air fryer cod is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

Keep it light: Serve with a crisp green salad and some roasted vegetables.
Comfort food style: Pair with some crispy air fryer potato wedges and coleslaw.
Taco night: Flake the cod and use it as a filling for fish tacos with some crunchy slaw and avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover cod in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Freezing

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze cooked cod for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, or in the microwave if you’re in a rush.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. You might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake this cod in a regular oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?
This recipe is already pretty low in carbs. To make it even more keto-friendly, you could swap the paprika for a zero-carb seasoning like dried herbs.

How do I know when the cod is done?
The cod should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, the fish should be opaque all the way through.

This Air Fryer Cod recipe is a total winner – it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy dinner option, give this a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!