Air Fryer Cod Recipe
Introduction
If you’re seeking a meal that’s both delicious and effortlessly healthy, this Air Fryer Cod Recipe is your answer. Thanks to air frying, you get flaky, succulent cod fillets with a perfectly crisp exterior—all achieved without heavy breading or excess oil. This one-pot wonder is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you want a restaurant-quality dish at home in under 20 minutes.
Why Air Fryer Cod Makes an Impact
The air fryer revolutionizes how we cook fish, locking in moisture and flavor while cutting back on oil. Each fillet is evenly cooked with a delicate crust and a succulent, tender center. Cod’s mild taste pairs beautifully with herbs, lemon, and just a touch of seasoning, making it a versatile protein for endless side options. This approach not only slashes cooking time, but also delivers consistently delicious results with minimal cleanup.
The Best Way to Prep Cod for Air Frying
Freshness is key! Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick and achieve a crispier edge. Slice lemons and chop your favorite vegetables in no time using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—making meal prep seamless and uniform.
Season both sides of the cod fillets with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for classic flavor. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or use an oil mister like the TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking to ensure even, light coverage that helps crisp the exterior.
Expert Tips for Air Frying Cod
For foolproof, nonstick cooking with zero mess, line your air fryer basket with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or fit in a pre-cut Air Fryer Paper Liner. Place your seasoned cod fillets in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure there’s a little space between each piece for optimal air flow and crispiness.
The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt is ideal for cooking several fillets at once, and its reliability ensures every piece is perfectly cooked inside and out.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cod
Pair your cod with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a side of air-fried vegetables, or use your Mueller Vegetable Chopper to prep a crisp slaw or fresh salad. Serving leftovers? Keep the cod just as tender in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy meal preps or next-day lunches.
Garnish with parsley, dill, or extra lemon slices for a final flourish, and enjoy with a chilled beverage—easy, light, and satisfying.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 and each serving contains about 120 calories (according to USDA, for a 4-ounce fillet), plus minimal calories from oil and seasoning. High in protein and low in fat, cod is a great choice for a balanced, health-minded dinner.
Why Air Fryer Cod Is a Weeknight Winner (Recap)
This Air Fryer Cod Recipe offers all the savory satisfaction of fried seafood, minus the mess and extra calories. With golden edges and a flaky center, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress family or guests—effortlessly.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. For easy cleanup and nonstick cooking, line the basket with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or use Air Fryer Paper Liners.
- Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush or mist lightly with olive oil using a TrendPlain Olive Oil Sprayer.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning evenly over both sides of each cod fillet.
- Arrange cod fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each fillet. Top with lemon slices.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a digital thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove cod carefully and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Enjoy your quick, clean, and healthy Air Fryer Cod—perfect for any night of the week!
