Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Cod

Golden, crispy-edged cod that flakes apart beautifully, made in the air fryer in about 15 minutes with just a little oil and your favorite seasoning.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Crispy and Flaky Air Fryer Cod

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 180kcal

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.

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.