Simple Air Fryer Cod Recipe

This Air Fryer Cod recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare cod fillets, flavored with lemon, avocado oil, and herbs. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. This recipe guarantees a crispy, flavorful finish to your fish, perfect for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You Will Love Making Air Fryer Cod

Air frying cod has become one of my favorite easy meals—it’s ready in just 13 minutes, and I don’t need much oil, so it feels lighter without losing flavor. I love that I can switch up the seasonings or sauces depending on what I’m in the mood for, and cleanup is quick since everything cooks in one basket. The mix of lemon juice, avocado oil, and herbs gives it a fresh, flavorful kick every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

How to Make Air Fryer Cod with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Getting this air fryer cod recipe just right is easy when you follow these step-by-step instructions. 

Preparing the Cod

First, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. In a small mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients well.

Seasoning

Next, brush this oil and herb mixture generously over both sides of each cod fillet. Make sure each piece is evenly coated so the flavors are well distributed.

Cooking

Turn your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 3-5 minutes. Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.

Cook them for about 8 minutes, or until the cod is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Depending on your air fryer model, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Serving

Once done, carefully remove the cod from the air fryer and place it onto a serving plate. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

To help you perfect your air fryer cod, here are some useful tips and notes to keep in mind:

• Thickness: The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your cod fillets. Thicker pieces may need a minute or two longer to cook thoroughly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the cod fillets don’t overlap in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
• Check for Doneness: Use a fork to check if the cod flakes easily. This is a good indication that your fish is perfectly cooked. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature which should read 145 °F (63 °C).
• Season to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding a bit of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder can introduce a new flavor profile to your dish.
• Pat Dry: Always pat the cod dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a crispier finish.
• Use Fresh Lemon: If possible, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Add some lemon zest or an extra squeeze after cooking to amp up the flavor.
• Frozen Cod: You can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
• Other Fish: This recipe works well with other white fish like tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets.

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Cod

Storing any leftovers properly is key to enjoying your air fryer cod the next day. Let the cod cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator as soon as you can. For the best quality, make sure to eat the leftovers within two days.

When you’re ready to reheat, the air fryer is a great option—just set it to 350°F and warm the cod for a few minutes until it’s heated through. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave; just heat it for about a minute or until hot.

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Saving money while cooking doesn’t have to mean cutting corners on taste. Here are three money-saving tips to try:

1. Buy Cod in Bulk: Look for sales and bulk deals on cod at your local grocery store or warehouse club.
2. Use a Reusable Air Fryer Liner: Invest in a reusable liner to save on parchment paper or foil.
3. Check the Reduced Section: Sometimes stores have fish that’s close to the sell-by date at a reduced price.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cod Fish

Here are some perfect pairings that enhance the flavor of your fish and add variety to your plate.

Fish Tacos

Transform your air fryer cod into the star of fish tacos for a fun and flavorful meal. Simply flake the cooked cod and tuck it into soft corn or flour tortillas. Top with red cabbage slaw, a drizzle of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream or a splash of avocado salsa for a touch of creaminess. 

Fries (aka Chips!)

Nothing beats the classic combo of fish and chips. Serve your air fryer cod with a side of homemade fries for a comforting meal. You can air fry potato wedges or thin-cut air fryer fries alongside the cod, seasoning them with sea salt and a hint of garlic powder. 

Dipping Sauces

Finally, enhance your dish with a variety of dipping sauces. A homemade tartar sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or a dab of spicy mayo can add a delicious finish to each bite of your air fryer cod.

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• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Air Fryer BBQ Drumsticks