Here’s my air fryer cod recipe that is flavorful and flaky. I made this recipe to be easy, healthier, and tender, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
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My Favorite Recipe for Cod in the Air Fryer
I first made this air fryer cod during Lent when I wanted a healthier option than a battered fish fry. I had some cod in the fridge, and since I’ve had success with air frying other fish, I thought that cod would taste great, too, and it did!
I designed my recipe to be easy, so I could toss the fish with seasonings and air fry it — no breading needed! With our weeks being so busy, I just need one of those easy recipes by Friday.
It’s become one of our go-to recipes for Lent and just all year round because of how easy it is to put together.
And, if you love a good air fryer seafood recipe, you will love my air fryer tilapia, fish sticks in the air fryer, frozen cod in the air fryer, air fryer flounder, air fryer salmon, and air fryer shrimp recipes.
Ingredients For air Fryer Cod Fish
- Cod fillets – I’ve used cod loins as well, just use the time listed for those instead
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice – fresh or bottled works great
How to Cook Cod in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F then pat each side of the cod fillets with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
STEP TWO: Combine the olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush each side of the fillets with the olive oil mixture. Use the remaining oil to brush the inside of the air fryer basket or tray. I find this helps prevent sticking.
STEP THREE: In a small dish combine all of the seasonings. Rub the seasonings on each side of the fillets.
STEP FOUR: Place the cod in the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes or until a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees in the thickest part of the fillet.
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Cod Recipe
- Don’t flip the cod in the air fryer as I’ve learned uncooked fish will stick to the basket more.
- Brush the remaining oil on the air fryer basket or tray to help with any sticking. I’ve also used parchment rounds, silicone liners, or a non stick spray.
- Remove the cod from the air fryer as soon as it hits 145 degrees F and flakes easily to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.
- Larger cod fillets can take 10 to 13 minutes to air fry.
- Use your favorite kind of cod fish. I’ve used Atlantic cod, wild Alaskan cod, and blue cod and they’ve all been delicious when air fried.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Air Fryer Cod Variations
- Use Old Bay seasoning for a flavor change up.
- Add a crispy breading or panko crust by dipping the fillets in butter and then panko breading, then air frying. I do this when I want to replicate a true fish fry.
- Use blackened seasoning mix for a blackened cod recipe.
- Replace the seasoning with lemon, dill, and garlic for a healthy and light option.
- Use cod loins instead of fillets. I find these need to air fry at 370 degrees about 10 minutes since they are typically thicker.
What to Serve with Air Fry Cod
On a normal night, I love to serve cod with a side of tartar sauce along with air fryer tater tots, air fryer asparagus, and some Texas Toast in the air fryer.
When I want to make it a ‘true fish fry’ in my mind, I will serve it with air fryer french fries and coleslaw. Honestly, I think any kind of fries and salad will pair great with it.
Air Fryer Cod FAQs
How To Know When Air Fryer Cod Fillets Are Done Cooking
I love to use a fork and flake some of the cod off the corner to check if it’s done. If it flakes easily, it means it’s done cooking. If the fish isn’t flaky, I cook it for another 1-2 minutes and try again.
I also use an Instant Read Thermometer to measure its internal temperature. Cod should be cooked to 145 degrees at its thickest point.
How Long to Cook Cod in the Air Fryer
Cod takes just 8 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F.
How to Cook Frozen Cod in the Air Fryer
I have used this recipe using frozen cod fillets multiple times. While fresh fish always taste the best, I find air frying at 350 degrees for 4 minutes, adding the oil and seasonings, then air frying at 370 degrees for 10-12 minutes works great when I’m in a pinch.
How Do I Reheat Cod in the Air Fryer?
I love eating leftovers and find reheating cod in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes does the trick.
More easy air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Pork Loin in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Hash Browns
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
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Easy Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod fillets
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice bottled or fresh
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F and pat each side of the cod fillets with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Combine the olive oil and the lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush each side of the cod fillets with the olive oil. Brush the inside of the air fryer basket with the remaining oil to help with sticking (optional).
- In a small dish, mix the paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper and rub the seasonings on each side of the fish.
- Place the cod in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 8 minutes, until a meat thermometer reaches 145 °F and the fish easily flakes.
Video
Notes
- Cook frozen cod at 350 degrees for 4 minutes, add the oil and seasonings, then air fry again at 370 degrees for about 10 minutes.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Followed the directions for frozen cod (loins). Perfect. Thank you!!!!
Trying the frozen cod filets per your directions. After the cooking time inside still frozen
Hi Stu, it sounds like your cod may have been larger and thicker than the ones I cook with. I would turn the air fryer down about 20 degrees and continue to cook them until the internal temperature shows they are cooked and the fish flakes nicely.
Hello. I would like to make these but there is only me in the house. Does the time need to be changed if I am cooking only one piece of cod?
Nope! The time and temperature will always remain the same for any recipe you cook with one piece instead of multiple.
This recipe looks awesome.. Can you say how many ounces the cod fliet was?? it makes a big difference in the nutrition on keto.. thanks!
Sue
Hi Sue! Each of the cod loins were about 4 ounces each.
Great recipe and directions. Was looking for any easy air fryer recipe for cod to make fish tacos tonight. Just tweaked the seasonings and it was perfect. My pieces were a bit on the thick side, so 12 minutes was just right! Will make again for sure! Thanks for the post.