This lightly seasoned air fryer cod recipe is flavored with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Tender and savory, this is the perfect easy dinner for your next fish fry.
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Tips and Tricks for Air Frying Fish
An air fryer is a great tool for making all sorts of delicious recipes, including seafood. When cooking fish in an air fryer, you can use fresh or frozen fillets, but make sure not to use beer battered fish, as the liquid will stick to the bottom of the fryer. However, you can still use the air fryer to make cod with breading, as long as it doesn’t use liquid like beer. Thaw your fish in advance and preheat the air fryer to save time, checking regularly to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
Why This Air Fryer Cod Recipe is a Keeper
Making cod fillets in the air fryer is not just quick and easy; it’s a healthy dinner favorite! Here are a few reasons you’ll love this flaky air fryer cod:
- 15-Minute Air Fryer Meal: This delicious fish recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep, and 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer basket.
- Family Friendly: This delicious, juicy white fish will satisfy everyone at your family fish fry.
- Adaptable: Enjoy this crispy fried cod fish whatever seasonings, glazes, or sauces you’d like.
If you’re looking for more air fryer seafood recipes, try these Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets, Air Fryer Fish Sticks, and Air Fryer Pistachio Crusted Fish.
How Long Do You Cook Cod in the Air Fryer?
Cook the cod in the air fryer for 10 minutes. Make sure to turn it over periodically to make sure it cooks through evenly, and check on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Ingredient Notes for Crispy Air Fryer Cod Filet
This easy air fryer cod uses healthy and delicious ingredients. Here are a few notes on what to use:
- Cod: Use cod loin or cod fillet in this recipe. You can cook frozen cod in the air fryer, or use fresh fish.
- Parsley: This recipe uses parsley to both season the pieces of cod, and as a garnish.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for the Best Air Fryer Cod Fish
- All Purpose Seasoning: Instead of salt and pepper, try using all purpose seasoning or Old Bay seasoning instead.
- Different Fish: You can make air fryer salmon or trout with this same recipe.
- Oil: Instead of parchment paper, you can grease the air fryer basket with oil.
Special Equipment Needed for Making Crispy Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer: Use an air fryer to make your cod filets a delicious, crispy golden brown.
How to Make Air Fryer Cod Fish
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These are the basic steps for making air fryer cod. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Step 1: Prep
Begin prepping by cutting a lemon in half. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, add a piece of parchment paper to the air fryer, with holes poked into it for better airflow. Spray the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Season
Next, place the cod on the parchment paper and drizzle half the lemon and olive oil on top of the fish. Then sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Fry and Garnish
Air fry the pies of cod for 10 minutes at 370 degrees F. Afterwards, slice the remaining lemon half and chop the parsley. Sprinkle the pieces of fish with parsley. Finally, place the fish on a plate with lemon slices and serve.
Air Fried Codfish FAQs
Expert Tips for Making Cod in an Air Fryer
- Avocado Oil: Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil to make cod fish in the air fryer.
- Herbs: Use fresh herbs to season the cod fish. In addition to the parsley, you can also use thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Check the Fish: While cooking the fish, check periodically to make sure it isn’t overcooked. The cod will be done when it’s crispy on the outside, and the inside is white and tender. Check the internal temperature of the cod with a thermometer. It should be about 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fish Tacos: Try this recipe in fish tacos. Just cut the cod into strips, and serve it in a tortilla with your favorite vegetables and other toppings.
Crispy Air Fryer Cod — Ready in 14 Minutes
Equipment
- Paper towels
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Cod fillets, skinned
- 1 teaspoon Minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 Lemon, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Cut the lemon in half. Reserve one half for juicing and slice the remaining half into wedges for serving.
- Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the fish develop better texture as it cooks.
- Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the air fryer basket. Poke several holes in the parchment to allow air to circulate, then lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the cod fillets in a single layer on the prepared parchment. Drizzle with the juice from half of the lemon and the olive oil. Sprinkle with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry the cod at 370 degrees F for the tested cooking time, checking the fish early to prevent overcooking.
- While the cod cooks, chop the fresh parsley.
- When the cod is finished, sprinkle it with the chopped parsley. Serve immediately with the lemon slices.
Christina’s Notes
- Pat the cod thoroughly dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent the fish from developing crisp edges.
- Cut the parchment to fit the air fryer basket and poke holes in it before adding the fish. This allows air to circulate properly.
- Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray to help prevent sticking.
- Cook the cod in a single layer with space between the fillets. Overcrowding can cause the fish to steam instead of crisp.
- Season the fish immediately before cooking. Adding the lemon juice and olive oil too far in advance can draw moisture from the fish.
- Start checking thicker fillets at the 8-minute mark because cooking time can vary.
- Add the fresh parsley after cooking to keep its flavor and color fresh.
- Serve the cod immediately for the best texture.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.