Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Healthy, simple, and bursting with flavor—Air Fryer Cod is a must-try!

Cod is one of my favorite fish. It is light and crisp and can be found in some of the best dishes. Fish tacos, fried in a creamy sauce with a homemade corn tortilla, are so delish. Another personal first-choice pick is lemon and caper buttered cod fish, pan-seared and topped with specks of fresh parsley. Yum!

What’s great about this recipe is that it comes together in no time and is great to make and then build off of—or around, I should say. Cooking Cod in the air fryer delivers a crispy outside and tender inside. The end result is a crispy fish ready for dressing up or enjoying as is. If you are a cod fan like me, then you will love this recipe.

Is Air Fryer Cod Recipe Healthy?

What’s great about the air fryer is that it is not only a healthier alternative to traditional frying with oil, but it reduces the calorie count on your dish up to 70% and has a lot less fat. It also cuts the cook time for most things practically in half. I really enjoy using it, and there is just about nothing it can’t cook for you—everything from toasting breads to baking cookies to pizza crust to cooking fish. Air fryers are a win, win.

This is a more health conscious way to prepare your cod. Coated with just a few herbs and dressed in lots of lemon, it is fresh and loaded with nutrients such as vitamin C, and of course fatty omega-3’s from the fish. Made fresh, this dish has no preservatives. On that note, I recommend purchasing your fish from a local fish market, or if you are purchasing at a grocery chain, aim for wild-caught cod.

Choosing Fresh Fish: What to Look For

I went through a phase where I didn’t eat meat, which made me rusty in preparing it. Here are some tips for selecting fresh fish:

Smell: Fish should smell fresh and mild, not fishy or sour. A fishy odor is a red flag.
Appearance: Fillets should be free of discoloration, darkening, or drying around the edges.
Source: Fresh, wild-caught fish is preferred over farm-raised. Farmers’ markets often have fresh catches from the night before.

Investing in high-quality fish ensures a better dining experience. Your friends, family, and tastebuds will thank you!

INGREDIENTS

2 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Season cod fillets with spices and oil.

Cook

Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Serve

Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer cod.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Once you dress and cook the cod in your air fryer, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the cod back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes.

How Do I Ensure Even Cooking for Cod Fillets?

To avoid over-drying thinner pieces, try to select or cut your cod fillets so they are of similar thickness. This ensures they cook evenly.

oil your pan

Brush the remaining oil on the air fryer basket/ tray to help prevent sticking. I know there is already oil on your fish, but it really aids in cleanup (and if you are a neat freak in your kitchen like me, you’ll appreciate this). I also don’t like mixing cooking surfaces with raw meats, so cooking your fish wrapped in wax paper is also an option.

Serving Suggestions

And just like that, you have a deliciously seasoned fish ready to be enjoyed as is or paired with additional ingredients for a wholesome, nutritious, and delish dish! Top your fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and place on a bed of brown rice. Or break off slices and place in a warmed tortilla with cabbage slaw and a drizzle of creamy tartar, avocado cilantro, or lime sauce. It also pairs well with this Lemon Orzo Salad and additional sides like Air Fryer Asparagus or these Roasted Russet Potatoes. And if you really want to win hearts, place your fish in a simmering pan full of butter, lemon, and capers.