Air Fryer Cod

Jump to Recipe

If you think cooking fish at home is intimidating, you will love to cook cod in air fryer. The air fryer locks in all that juiciness, ensuring you get a moist and tender air fryer cod fish every single time.

Using the air fryer to cook fresh fish is like having a magic appliance that turns out golden, crispy air fryer cod fish without all the fuss and mess. 

The fish is lightly seasoned, so the delicate flavor of the fish shines through – no need to hide it under a ton of breading or batter like those frozen fish filets! And it’s just as simple to prepare.

Plus, you can easily customize your air fryer cod recipes for a flavor profile you will love. Just like this Air Fryer Tilapia and this perfect Air Fryer Salmon.

If you’re wondering why you should make air fried cod at home instead of ordering takeout, let me tell you it’s not only about the taste (although that’s a significant factor). Making this at home is a total money-saver, and it’s a healthy dinner too!

P.S. want even more better than takeout air fryer recipes? This Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe is a must try!

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s Deliciously Light – Unlike frozen fish loaded with heavy breading or batter, these air fryer cod filets are lightly seasoned, allowing the fish’s natural flavor to shine through. 
• It’s Healthier – By using the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, golden cod without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. 
• It’s Flaky and Tender – This comes out perfectly cooked, flakey, and tender every time, making each bite a delightful experience.
• It’s Easy to Make at Home – This recipe makes cooking fish at home a breeze, removing any intimidation or mess associated with traditional frying techniques. 
• And if you like fish then please do check out these awesome Air Fryer Fish Recipes. Sooooo much choice.

Ingredient Notes

• Cod Filets – Look for fresh or frozen wild-caught cod filets that are boneless and skinless. If you can’t find cod, use other firm white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia.
• Olive Oil – Or another light, neutral flavored oil. 
• Salt – Enhances the flavor of the fish. You can use sea salt, kosher salt, or any other salt you have on hand.
• Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle hint of spiciness. You can use a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little kick.
• Onion Powder – Provides a lovely savory flavor to complement the fish. You can use finely minced fresh onions if you don’t have onion powder.
• Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness. If you don’t have parsley, you can use dill, cilantro, or chives as alternatives.

Ready to make this cod air fryer? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

How To Make Air Fryer Cod

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C. 
2. Pat fish dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Combine the salt, spices and oil in a bowl to create a marinade. Brush the marinade over the cod filets and let them rest on a covered plate for 15 minutes. 
4. Spritz the air fryer basket with oil, then carefully transfer the cod filets to the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry cod fish for 5 minutes, flip with a spatula and cook for another 4 minutes.
6. Before serving, the fish can be sprinkled with fresh lemon juice and with parsley.

Note: Always check for doneness with an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees F / 63 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the fish.

Expert Tips

• Before seasoning, make sure to pat the cod dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and prevents excess moisture during cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and help achieve that crispy exterior.
• Arrange the cod filets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
• Flip the cod halfway through the cooking time for even cooking on both sides. This ensures a crispy texture on both sides.
• Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the filets and the power of your air fryer. Keep an eye on the fish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• To check if the cod fillets are cooked through, use a fork to gently flake the thickest part. The fish should easily separate into large, opaque flakes.
• Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or your preferred herbs for a lovely finishing touch that adds flavor and visual appeal.
• Air fryer cod recipes are best enjoyed right after cooking when they are crispy and tender.
• Check out how to clean an air fryer well after cooking to avoid transfer of food smells.
• Oh and please do pop over and check out some of my favorite things to use to make this recipe.

Delicious Variations

• Add A Dipping Sauce – Consider serving the filets with a variety of dipping sauces, like tartar sauce, aioli, or lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with Seasonings – Don’t be afraid to get creative with the seasonings! Try different herbs, spices, or citrus zest to find your perfect flavor combination. Our favorites include garlic powder, old bay seasoning, lemon slices, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and blackened seasoning.
• Add Breading – Coat the fish with breadcrumbs, panko breading, or flakes of coconut for extra crunch and flavor. 
• Make Fish Tacos – Season with taco seasoning, and after cooking cod in the air fryer, add it to tacos for a tasty meal.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Prepare the marinade and let the filets marinate for about 15 minutes. 
• Store – Air fryer cod is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Freeze – Freezing leftover cod is not recommended, as the texture will become mushy when thawed and reheated. 
• Reheat – check out how to Reheat Fried Fish in Air Fryer.

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

Want all the best air fryer recipes, tips, and temperature cheat sheet–all in one place? Get the printable air fryer ebook and transform the way you plan and cook every meal!

• Crispy Air Fryer Fish.
• Easy Air Fryer Fish Sticks.
• Frozen Fish in Air Fryer.
• Reheat Fried Fish in Air Fryer.
• Air Fryer Tilapia.

Serving Suggestions

• The whole family will love it served with french fries like these Air Fryer French Fries or these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
• You can also try it with my fav crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes and these easy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes.
• You can also serve this with Smashed Brussel Sprouts or Garlic Butter Sesame Instant Pot Green Beans.
• One on my favorite sides is this Green Bean Casserole or use Air Fryer Roasted Garlic to make a sauce.

Recommended Tools

• You need an awesome Air Fryer.
• A instant read thermometer to make sure your fish is cooked through.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Air Fryer Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There is just 1 Blue Plan SmartPoint in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my air fryer cod recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

Get The Cod in Air Fryer Recipe: