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Air fryer cod is a quick and easy, protein-packed entree. These flaky and tender cod fillets in the air fryer make a perfect weeknight meal!
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Why you'll love cooking cod in the air fryer
- You only need 5 minutes of prep and under 10 minutes of air fryer time.
- The mild, delicious flavor is a hit with the whole family.
- The air fryer requires minimal oil and delivers juicy, mouthwatering results.
- You can season cod with a few pantry spices, or use your favorite blend.
- The flaky and tender fillets melt in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless Cod Fillets – This protein-packed fish is popular for its mild flavor and cooking ease, making it versatile for quick, healthy meals.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This heart-healthy oil adds flavor and helps the seasoning stick to the surface.
- Sea Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the cod.
- Black Pepper – Adds a mild kick and depth of flavor.
- Granulated Garlic – Provides a subtle, savory garlic flavor.
- Paprika – Adds a touch of smokiness and a beautiful red color to the fish.
- Optional garnish - lemon wedges and fresh parsley add a bright fresh finish.
How to cook cod in the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Pat the cod dry with a paper towel, coat with oil, then season.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve warm with your favorite garnish.
Look at these thick, golden brown, cod fillets after only 5 minutes in the air fryer! They're juicy, tender, flaky, and ready to eat!
Recipe Tips
- Allowing the cod fillets to rest at room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly and reduces the cooking time.
- Since fillet thickness can vary, cook pieces of similar thickness together in separate batches, as they will need different cooking times.
- The air fryer can cook cod that is 1 inch thick or less in as little as 2 to 5 minutes. If you like juicy, flaky cod, don't overcook it.
- It’s important to ensure the fillets are not touching to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Use Cajun seasoning, blackening seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne for a delicious kick.
- Add a few sprinkles of everything bagel seasoning or Italian seasoning blend before air frying.
- Season with taco seasoning and use the fish in tacos with your favorite Mexican toppings.
Serving Ideas
- Serve cod fillets over rice or quinoa with a drizzle of lemon juice or a scoop of tzatziki sauce.
- Try it with chilled Greek chickpea salad or creamy cucumber salad.
- Pair the fish with vegetables like air fryer green beans or air fryer corn on the cob for a light dinner.
- Enjoy cod with sour cream mashed potatoes for a comfort food option.
- Add to a kale salad or Asian slaw for a refreshing, protein-packed lunch.
More seafood recipes
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Cod
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Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless Cod Fillets, cut into equal size and thickness
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper, as needed to season
- Granulated Garlic, as needed to season
- Paprika, as needed to season
- Optional garnish: Lemon Wedges, Fresh Parsley, Tartar Sauce
Instructions
- (Optional) Let the COD sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to remove the chill.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Pat the COD FILLETS dry with a paper towel and coat all sides with EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL.
- To season, place the fillets with the darker side facing up (this is the side that once had skin).
- Sprinkle your desired amount of SALT, PEPPER, GARLIC, and PAPRIKA over the surface. Turn the fillets over so the pure white flesh side faces up and repeat seasoning.
- Transfer each filet to the air fryer basket, ensuring that they're not touching.
- Air fry the fillets until the thickest part reaches 145°F, about 5–7 minutes for 1-inch pieces or 2–3 minutes for ½-inch pieces.Pro tip: When the fillets hit 135°F, cover and rest; carryover cooking will bring them to 145°F.
- Transfer fillets to a serving platter, garnish, and enjoy!
Storage and reheat
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
- 5.8 quart basket air fryer (Cosori XL) My favorite model, but any model will work!
- chef's knife and cutting board only if cutting the fish
- tongs or spatula to remove fish from the air fryer
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preheating your air fryer helps ensure the fish cooks efficiently and, therefore, evenly.
It's best to use fully thawed cod fillets in the air fryer. Frozen fish may not cook evenly, resulting in an undercooked center.
No. The hot air circulates and cooks the cod efficiently without the need to flip.
Depending on thickness, the air fryer can cook cod in as little as 2-5 minutes. Look for opaque, flaky flesh, golden surface, and a delicious aroma.
Jeff says
10/10 recommend!! Fresh cod is hands-down the easiest and quickest entree you'll cook in the air fryer! I'm stunned at how quickly it cooks, so be careful and don't overcook it. The Kitchen Girl emphasizes this for good reason. If yours isn't melting in your mouth, you cooked it too long. Period.