When you need dinner on the table fast, this Air Fryer Cod is a lifesaver. Brush the fillets with a little oil, shake on your favorite seasoning, and let the air fryer do its thing. In about 15 minutes, you’ve got fish that’s golden and crispy on the outside and tender and flaky inside.
No breading, no deep fryer, and no greasy mess on the stove. Just simple, flavorful fish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve it with a quick homemade tartar sauce and dinner’s done.
Looking for more quick dinner ideas? You’ll find plenty in my main course recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes: Five minutes of prep and about 10 in the air fryer.
- Just five ingredients: Cod, oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning.
- Crispy without frying: The air fryer gives you golden edges with just a tablespoon of oil.
- Your seasoning, your way: Old Bay, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice. They all work.
- Easy cleanup: No pans of hot oil to deal with.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need. You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Cod fillets: Two fillets about 1 inch thick. If you’re using frozen cod, make sure it’s fully thawed first.
- Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil: A tablespoon helps the seasoning stick and the outside crisp up. Melted butter works too.
- Salt and pepper: Half a teaspoon of each, adjusted to taste.
- Seasoning: A tablespoon of Old Bay, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice. Garlic powder and paprika are a nice option too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Dry and season the cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with oil (or melted butter) and season with the salt, pepper, and your seasoning of choice.
2. Let it rest and preheat
Let the cod sit for about 5 minutes so it can soak up the spices. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with oil or cooking spray.
3. Air fry
Place the fillets in the basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cod is done when it’s golden brown and crispy, and the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) on a thermometer.
4. Make a dipping sauce (optional)
While the cod cooks, stir up a quick tartar sauce with mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles or relish, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Or blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt for a creamy avocado sauce. You’ll find the amounts in the recipe card.
Tips and Variations
- Thaw frozen cod the right way: Thaw it in the fridge overnight, or seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Avoid hot water.
- Pat it dry: Removing extra moisture is the secret to better browning.
- Flip halfway: Turning the fillets helps both sides get evenly crisp.
- Choose even fillets: Fillets of the same thickness cook at the same rate.
- Check the temperature: Cod is safe to eat once it reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Finish with lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving brightens everything up.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve the cod right away while it’s hot and crispy, with lemon wedges and a little bowl of sauce for dipping. Our Homemade Tartar Sauce is a classic match.
For sides, try crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes or Honey Mustard Roasted Potatoes, and add a fresh Best Cucumber Salad to keep things light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, but thaw it first. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, or seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water for a faster thaw. Avoid hot water.
What temperature do I air fry cod at?
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fillets for 8 to 10 minutes.
Do I need to flip the cod?
Yes. Flip the fillets halfway through cooking so both sides get evenly crispy.
How do I know when cod is cooked?
It should be golden and crispy outside, and the thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer.
What seasoning is best for air fryer cod?
Old Bay is a favorite, but lemon pepper, Cajun spice, or a mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are all delicious.
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Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Cod
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets (about 1 inch thick, thawed if using frozen)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon seasoning (e.g., Old Bay, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice)
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with the oil (or melted butter) and season with the salt, pepper and your seasoning of choice. Old Bay is a great option, or try lemon pepper, Cajun spice, or garlic powder and paprika.
- Let the cod sit for about 5 minutes to soak up the spices. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with oil or cooking spray.
- Place the cod in the basket and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy and the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) on a thermometer.
- Optional dipping sauce: while the cod cooks, stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons finely chopped pickles (or sweet pickle relish), 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt for a quick tartar sauce. Or blend avocado, lime juice, garlic and salt for a creamy avocado sauce.
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Tips:
- Thawing Frozen Cod: If using frozen cod, ensure it’s thawed first. Avoid hot water for thawing. Instead, thaw it in the fridge overnight or submerge it in cold water in a sealed bag for a quicker thaw.
- Pat Dry: Before seasoning, pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better browning.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
- Uniform Thickness: Try to use cod fillets of the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Check the Temperature: Ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
