Cod is a mild, flaky fish that works beautifully in the air fryer. Cooking it is fast, healthy, and kid-friendly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals. With just a few simple seasonings, you get tender cod that everyone—kids and adults alike—will enjoy.
I often make cod when I want something light yet satisfying. The grandkids love it plain with a little lemon, while my hubby and I enjoy a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs. It’s quick, reliable, and keeps everyone happy at the dinner table. In this blog post, we will help you prepare sumptuous and easy Air Fryer Cod.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
Air fryer cod is:
- Quick and easy—ready in under 15 minutes
- Flaky, tender, and perfectly cooked
- Healthy, low in calories, and high in protein
- Family-friendly for kids, adults, and grandkids
- Versatile—pair with any side dish or seasoning
Unlike pan-fried or oven-baked cod, the air fryer keeps it juicy while crisping the edges without excess oil. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cod fillets (6–8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Optional:
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme)
- Chili flakes or smoked paprika for extra flavor
- Panko breadcrumbs for crispy topping
Tip: Pat the fillets dry before seasoning to help them crisp and hold flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Preheating ensures even cooking.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Brush both sides with olive oil or melted butter.
- Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly on both sides of the fillets. Add optional herbs or breadcrumbs if desired.
- Place fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove and let rest for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
Personal Kitchen Experience
Cod is one of my go-to fish recipes because it’s mild and easy to cook in the air fryer. The grandkids enjoy theirs plain with a squeeze of lemon, while I add herbs or a touch of paprika for flavor. I love how fast it cooks and how little cleanup is required, so I can spend more time enjoying dinner with the family instead of standing over the stove.
Kitchen Notes
- Thicker fillets may need an extra minute or two
- Pat fillets dry before seasoning for crisp edges
- Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking
- Minimal oil is enough to keep the fish moist
- Check fillets at the lower end of cooking time to prevent overcooking
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Cod
- Shake the basket halfway for even cooking
- Optional: brush with lemon butter after cooking
- Pair with air fryer vegetables, rice, or quinoa
- Add herbs or breadcrumbs for flavor and texture
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 1–2 days and reheated gently in the air fryer
These simple tricks guarantee tender, flaky, and flavorful cod every time.
For more seafood cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Seafood Recipes Guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking (cod cooks quickly!)
- Skipping preheating
- Overcrowding the basket
- Adding sauce before cooking
- Not letting the fillets rest before serving
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted air fryer vegetables or mashed potatoes
- Top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon
- Add to tacos, wraps, or grain bowls
- Pair with a light dipping sauce like garlic butter or tartar sauce
This cod recipe is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes; avoid microwaving to maintain texture
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving – 1 fillet)
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: ~22g
- Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
Cod is high in protein, low in calories, and perfect for healthy family meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen cod in the air fryer?
Yes! Add 2–3 extra minutes and pat dry if possible.
Do I need to flip the fillets?
Optional for thin fillets, but flipping ensures even crisping.
What seasonings work best?
Garlic, paprika, chili flakes, herbs, or a breadcrumb topping. Adjust for adults or kids.
Can I meal prep with air fryer cod?
Yes! Cook lightly to avoid overcooking during reheating. Store in airtight containers.
What sides pair well with cod?
Air fryer vegetables, rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes are perfect.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer cod is quick, healthy, and delicious 🐟. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even a light lunch. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the exterior a gentle crisp, so every bite is tender and flaky. I love that it’s versatile—you can keep it simple for the kids, add herbs or spices for adults, or drizzle with a little butter or lemon for a subtle gourmet touch.
