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!
PrintAir Fryer Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Cod Recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky fish with a crispy exterior in just 18 minutes. The blend of spices and a touch of lemon create a delicious, healthy meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cod: Brush each filet all over with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- In this step, you’re coating the fish with a thin layer of oil to help the seasonings stick and promote browning in the air fryer.
- Season the fish: In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly all over the cod filets.
- Mixing the spices ensures an even distribution of flavors. The combination of salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper creates a savory and slightly spicy coating for the cod.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F.
- Preheating is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior on the fish. It ensures that the cod starts cooking immediately when placed in the basket.
- Cook the cod: Place two filets in the basket. Cook for 5 minutes. Open the air fryer and drizzle 1 teaspoon of lemon juice over each filet. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 more minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of each filet reaches 145 °F. Repeat with the remaining two cod filets.
- Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, which could lead to uneven cooking. The lemon juice added halfway through cooking infuses the fish with a bright, citrusy flavor. Using a thermometer ensures the fish is cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking.
- Serve: Top each fillet with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- The fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herb flavor, while additional lemon wedges allow diners to adjust the citrus flavor to their liking.
Notes
- Choose cod filets of similar weight and thickness for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for air circulation.
- Preheat the air fryer for a crispy exterior.
- The lemon juice is crucial for brightening the flavors.
- This recipe also works well with haddock, sea bass, grouper, or halibut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 164g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 73mg