Air Fryer Cod – Crispy, Tender & Ready in Minutes
When you’re craving a healthy, quick seafood dinner, Air Fryer Cod is the answer. This light, flaky white fish cooks up perfectly in the air fryer with a golden crust and juicy interior. Whether you’re watching calories or just want a fast weeknight meal, cod fillets in the air fryer deliver on flavor, texture, and simplicity.
Cod is a mild, family-friendly fish that pairs well with a variety of seasonings. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and packed with nutrients like B12 and omega-3s. With the air fryer, you get a restaurant-quality meal at home—without needing deep-frying oil or heating up the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cod
- Quick and easy: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes
- Healthy: Low in fat and calories without sacrificing crispiness
- Versatile: Works with lemon, garlic, Cajun, or herbed breading
- Mess-free: No oil splatters or frying pans required
Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cod (thawed), this recipe is foolproof and ideal for beginners or experienced cooks alike.
What Type of Cod Works Best?
You can use fresh Atlantic or Pacific cod fillets. Look for pieces that are:
- About ½ to 1 inch thick for even cooking
- Boneless and skinless for easy prep
- Well-dried before seasoning (patting them dry ensures a crispy finish)
Air Frying Cod – Step-by-Step
- Preheat your air fryer: This helps create a crisp crust from the start.
- Season or bread: Keep it simple with lemon and herbs or add a crispy panko coating.
- Cook at high heat: 375–400°F (190–200°C) is ideal for getting golden edges and a moist center.
- Flip halfway: This ensures even cooking and browning.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Cod
- With steamed veggies and rice for a balanced dinner
- Tucked into tacos with slaw and chipotle sauce
- On a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce
- With roasted potatoes or a simple green salad
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed to allow air circulation.
- Use a light spray of oil to help the coating crisp up.
- Panko = crunch: For extra crispy cod, coat in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temp.
- Frozen cod? Thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting before cooking.
Best Seasonings for Cod
Cod is a blank canvas. Here are some top flavor combos:
- Lemon-garlic butter
- Cajun spice with lime zest
- Dill and paprika
- Simple salt, pepper, and olive oil drizzle
Quick Recipe Summary
Crispy Air Fryer Cod
Description:
This air fryer cod is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in under 15 minutes—an easy and healthy seafood option for any night of the week.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 15–17 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges, fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional crispy version: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs + 1 beaten egg (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the fish: Pat cod fillets dry. Brush with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Optional breading: Dip fillets in egg, then coat with panko for a crispy crust.
- Air fry: Place cod in the basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and flakes easily.
- Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with parsley, if desired.