Name: Air Fryer Cod Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-oz) cod fillets; 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (from ½ lemon); 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sea salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¾ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Cooking spray

This Air Fryer Cod is the weeknight dinner game-changer you’ve been waiting for! Perfectly seasoned, delicately flaky cod fillets cook to golden perfection in just 10 minutes in your air fryer. The lemon-infused seasoning creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that transforms simple cod into a restaurant-worthy meal without any fuss or complicated techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 15 minutes – perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly!
Healthier Option: Using the air fryer means you get all that wonderful crispy texture without deep frying in oil.
Foolproof Cooking: Even if you’re intimidated by cooking fish, this method delivers perfectly cooked cod every time – no more dry, overcooked fish!
Clean-Up is a Breeze: Minimal prep and easy cleanup make this perfect for busy households.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cod fillets: The star of the show – cod has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that appeals to everyone, even those who aren’t big fish fans.
Lemon juice and zest: Brings bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the fish. Fresh lemon makes a huge difference here!
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the fish and promotes beautiful browning in the air fryer.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors. I prefer sea salt for its clean taste.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
Paprika: Contributes gorgeous color and a subtle smokiness that complements the fish beautifully.
Garlic powder: Provides savory notes without the bite of fresh garlic, which could overpower the delicate cod.
Cayenne pepper: Optional but wonderful for a hint of heat. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
Cooking spray: Just a light coating prevents sticking and helps achieve that golden exterior.

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

Herb Lover’s Version

Swap the paprika for Italian seasoning or add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme to the seasoning mix.

Mediterranean Style

Add a sprinkle of oregano to the seasoning blend and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.

Cajun Twist

Replace the seasoning mix with Cajun seasoning for a spicier, more robust flavor profile.

Parmesan Crusted

Add 2-3 tablespoons of grated parmesan to the seasoning mix for a cheesy crust.

How to Make Air Fryer Cod

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Fish

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect texture! While it’s heating, pat each cod fillet thoroughly dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, helping you achieve a nicely browned exterior.

Step 2: Prepare Your Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil with fresh lemon juice and zest. This two-step seasoning process ensures maximum flavor.

Step 3: Season the Cod

Brush each fillet with the olive oil and lemon mixture on both sides. This not only adds flavor but helps the seasonings adhere. Sprinkle your spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fillet, gently patting it onto the fish.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 8-10 minutes until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C) at the thickest part.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Preheating: This ensures even cooking and that perfect exterior texture.
The Paper Towel Pat-Down: Really dry those fillets well – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Check Early: Since air fryer models vary, start checking at the 7-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked fish every time, aim for 140-145°F internal temperature.
Let It Rest: Give the cod a minute or two to rest after cooking – this helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This air fryer cod is versatile enough to work with countless side dishes:

Roasted asparagus or broccoli
A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed rice or quinoa
Air fryer potato wedges (since your air fryer is already out!)

Sauce Suggestions

While delicious on its own, a simple sauce can elevate this dish:

Lemon butter sauce
Homemade tartar sauce
Greek yogurt mixed with dill and lemon
Avocado crema

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Fish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be repurposed into fish tacos or a fish salad.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing cooked cod as the texture can become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. You can also use a microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until just warmed through. Add a sprinkle of water before reheating to preserve moisture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Yes, but for best results, thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning. Frozen cod contains more moisture, which may affect the browning process. You might need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time if the fillets are particularly thick after thawing.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake this cod in a conventional oven at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. The texture won’t be quite as crisp, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! This method works beautifully with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness – thinner fillets will cook faster, thicker ones will need a bit more time.

My fish fell apart in the air fryer. What did I do wrong?
Fish that falls apart is usually overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Also, make sure your air fryer basket is well-greased, and handle the fish gently when removing it. Using a thin spatula can help keep delicate fillets intact.

This Air Fryer Cod recipe proves that incredible weeknight dinners don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes, you can transform simple cod fillets into a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of zesty lemon and perfectly balanced seasonings creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Give this recipe a try tonight – I promise it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Air Fryer Cod Recipe