I try to incorporate fish into my family’s meals at least once a week, and this air fryer cod is one option I know even my picky eaters will eat. It’s crispy on the outside and flaky-tender on the inside – a lot like fish sticks – and we all love it. I use the air fryer to speed up the cook time, so this meal is on the table in a total time of less than 20 minutes. It’s perfect for our busy weeknights when I need a nutritious meal fast. I usually serve it with roasted veggies or a simple side salad, and it always disappears even faster than I expect.
Recipe Highlights
- Quick and easy: A twist on seafood recipes like my baked cod recipe and my baked fish sticks with tartar sauce, this new recipe for air fryer cod comes together without the need to preheat the oven, heat any oil, or bread the dish. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of just 8 minutes, it’s just the kind of healthy and quick dinner recipe that I need
- Allergen-friendly: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, this recipe satisfies the various dietary requirements in my home and makes it easy to meet my daily protein goals.
- Meal prep friendly: Leftovers store and reheat well for several days. So, I often cook a few extra filets to keep on hand for lunch the next day.
Ingredient Spotlight: Cod
Cod is a lean white fish that has a mild flavor. It pairs well with a variety of herbs, spices, veggies, and sauces. On its own, cod is low in calories and fat and is an excellent source of high-quality protein, as well as a good source of B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium.
When shopping, I choose safe-caught seafood and look for similar-sized filets with bright skin, a fairly firm texture, and little to no smell. If cod begins to smell “fishy,” I know it’s too old.
Time To (Air) Fry
Cooking fish seems intimidating at first, but my air fryer method is so fast that no one believes how simple it can be. The best part is that it results in delicious tasty fish with a crispy exterior and flaky center every time.
- Preheat: I preheat the air fryer to 400°F so that it’s nice and hot by the time I’m ready to cook the fish.
- Season: Next, I pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and brush them with oil. Then, I add a squeeze of lemon juice and rub the spice mixture evenly over the fish.
- Season: Then, I line an air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly mist it with avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray. I arrange the cod in the preheated air fryer basket in an even layer, making sure to leave space between each piece.
- Air Fry: Finally, I cook the fish until it’s slightly browned. To avoid under or overcooking, I typically use a meat thermometer to ensure the air fry cod reaches an internal temperature between 130-135°F. Finally, I serve it with lemon wedges.
For serving size and the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition analysis, listing calories (kcals), protein, carbohydrates/carb, fiber, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, and more per serving.
Standout Sides
Sometimes I serve this crispy fish recipe as a main dish with a side of French fries for a fun take on fish and chips. I think it’s absolutely delicious topped with avocado salsa and a veggie or two, such as sautéed asparagus, sautéed broccolini, or this green goddess salad for a well-rounded meal.
If I’m lucky to have leftovers, I repurpose them to make fish tacos, and top them with a limey coleslaw the next day.
Storing And Reheating Leftovers
To store, I transfer the leftover cooked cod to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent it from becoming soggy, I reheat cod filet pieces in an air fryer preheated to 400 degrees F or in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop for a few minutes, just until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cod fish can be air fried directly from frozen. However, I don’t recommend it for this recipe, because seasonings won’t stick or become crisp. Thaw frozen cod under running water or by placing it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Yes, if adding panko bread crumbs or regular breadcrumbs, I recommend spreading mayo over the cod or dipping the cod into an egg wash first. Either of these methods helps the breadcrumbs cling to the fish, creating a crispier breading that doesn’t fall off.
Absolutely. Any spices or seasoning blend will work well for this recipe. I’ve made it with a pre-made Cajun seasoning blend, lemon pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
Yes, any thin white fish, such as tilapia or haddock, will work well for this recipe. Keep an eye on the air fryer and adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Air Fryer Cod Recipe
This air fryer cod recipe is a quick main protein option that pairs well with a variety of sides. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this easy recipe is made without breading. It’s naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free, and leftovers store well to serve as fish tacos or over a salad the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets, thawed if frozen (4-6 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or lime juice (¼ of a lemon or lime)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- Avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Brush each cod fillet with 1 teaspoon of oil, then squeeze the lemon juice over each fillet.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and the ¼ teaspoon salt. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the fish.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment or lightly mist it with avocado oil spray or olive oil spray. Place the cod in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between the pieces of fish.
- Cook for 8 minutes or until the fish fillets are slightly browned at the edges. The exact cook time can vary depending on the air fryer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Notes
Need more servings? You can easily double this recipe to make more cod, but air fry only two pieces at a time to ensure the air fryer doesn’t get overcrowded and so the fish gets crispy at the edges.
This fish is excellent served with a topping of this avocado salsa.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 133
- Fat: 5 g
- (Sat Fat: 1 g)
- Sodium: 351 mg
- Carbohydrate: 1 g
- (Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g)
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg
Dietary
The photos in this post were taken by Megan McKeehan.
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