Air Fryer Cod – Flaky & Ready in 15 Minutes

Jump to Recipe

This Air Fryer Cod is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Especially when the whole gang is hungry and asking for snacks, and I suddenly remember I forgot to take something out of the freezer. Served up with a favorite side and dinner is done.

I love that the cod turns out tender and flaky every time with barely any effort. The outside gets lightly golden, the inside stays soft and juicy, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting, whilst I act like my life is totally sorted.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is on repeat because:

• Dinner is ready in under 15 minutes, just like with this Air Fryer Tilapia and perfect Air Fryer Salmon.
• Uses simple pantry spices I already own.
• Cod is a more affordable fish. Win win right?
• Works with both fresh or frozen cod. Result.
• It’s mild flavor is super family friendly.
• High protein and filling without feeling heavy.
• Perfect for meal prep or turning into fish tacos or bowls the next day
• And if you like fish then please do check out these awesome Air Fryer Fish Recipes and better than takeout Air Fryer Fish and Chips.

Key Ingredient Notes

This is fairly easy to pull together. But I have some notes and variations for you.

• Cod Fillets: Start with boneless fresh cod filets. Try to get similar sized pieces so they cook evenly. Thicket fillets cook faster than thinner ones. If you can’t find cod, use other firm white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia. Fresh or frozen both work here, which honestly saves me on those “I forgot to plan dinner” days.
• Olive Oil: Or use whichever light, neutral flavored oil you have. Just a little drizzle helps the seasonings stick and keeps the fish from drying out.
• Seasonings: I keep this simple with salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder. I have also used Italian Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Old Bay and lemon pepper. Parmesan sprinkled over the top gives a crispy finish.
• Toppings: I love topping with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. If you don’t have parsley, you can use dill, cilantro, or chives as alternatives.

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.

Bintu’s Recipe Tips

• Before seasoning, make sure to pat the cod dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings cling on 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.
• 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.
• Coat the fish with breadcrumbs, panko breading, or flakes of coconut for extra crunch and flavor. 
• 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.
• Always check for doneness with an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees F / 63 degrees C in the thickest part of the fish.
• This is 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.
• Please pop over & check out some of my favorite things to use to make this recipe.

Standout Serving Suggestions

Turn Leftovers Into Dinner Round Two And Storage

Leftover fish might actually be my favorite eat. I love make-ahead recipes that I cook once, eat twice, and totally avoid cooking the next day. I flake it into sandwiches, wraps or tacos with slaw, pile it high over pasta or rice bowls. It works great for lunch boxes the next day.

Whilst Air fryer cod is best served fresh, it can be refrigerated for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Freezing leftover cod is not recommended, as the texture will become mushy when thawed. Check out how to Reheat Fried Fish in Air Fryer.

More Fish 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!

FAQs

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: