Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod

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Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this air fryer cod is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you want a wholesome dinner without a lot of fuss. The cod is seasoned simply but effectively, allowing the delicate flavor of the fish to shine while getting that golden crunch thanks to the air fryer. You won’t believe this much flavor can come from such a simple process.

Whether you’re serving it with roasted vegetables, over a fresh salad, or tucked into fish tacos, air fryer cod is versatile and perfect for just about any meal. Best of all, it comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it ideal for quick lunches or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cod

This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, healthy, and utterly satisfying. With minimal oil and no messy breading station, it’s much cleaner than traditional fried fish, and the air fryer ensures a consistent cook every time. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, low-carb, and packed with protein. The spices give it a mild kick without overwhelming the fish’s natural taste.

What Kind of Cod Should I Use?

Both fresh and frozen cod work beautifully in this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. Pacific cod tends to be a bit firmer and meatier, while Atlantic cod is milder and flakier. Choose whichever type you prefer or have on hand—just make sure the fillets are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Ingredients for the Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod

To make the best air fryer cod, all you need are a few simple ingredients that come together for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Cod fillets are the star of the show. Choose boneless and skinless fillets, about 4 to 6 ounces each.

Olive oil lightly coats the fish to help the spices stick and promotes that crisp finish.

Paprika gives the cod a warm color and subtle smoky note.

Garlic powder adds depth and enhances the fish’s natural flavor.

Onion powder brings balance with a mellow savoriness.

Salt and pepper are essential for brightening and seasoning the fish just right.

Lemon wedges for serving brighten the dish and add a fresh finish.

How To Make the Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Cod

Step 1: Prep the Cod

Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season Generously

In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush each cod fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps the fish cook evenly and get that golden exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cod flakes easily with a fork and is golden on the outside.

Step 5: Serve and Squeeze

Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite sides.

How to Serve and Store Air Fryer Cod

This recipe serves 2 to 3 people, depending on portion sizes. Serve it hot right out of the air fryer for the best texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it back up without drying it out.

You can also flake the leftovers over salads, tuck them into wraps, or stir into rice bowls for a second-day meal with zero boredom.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Cod?

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Crispy and golden, they pair perfectly with the delicate fish.

Garlic Green Beans

Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic for a simple veggie side.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool crunch of coleslaw is a great contrast to the warm, flaky cod.

Cajun Potato Soup

Add a cozy touch to your meal with a bowl of hearty soup. Try this Cajun Potato Soup.

Creamy Corn Dip

Serve cod with scoops of creamy corn dip and tortilla chips for a fun twist.

Mediterranean White Beans and Greens

Add fiber and bold flavors with this side of white beans and greens.

Skillet Ricotta Pasta

For something more indulgent, skillet ricotta pasta with roasted broccoli is rich yet balanced.

Want More Seafood Ideas?

If you love this air fryer cod, you’ll definitely want to try these other easy seafood favorites:

• Seafood Stuffed Shells for a creamy, cheesy pasta bake.
• Flavorful Jerk Shrimp Tacos with a tropical twist.
• Lemon Butter Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli for a buttery, well-rounded dinner.
• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta that’s bold and comforting.
• Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad when you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding a breadcrumb topping or keep it light and simple?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Feel free to ask questions or share your air fryer tips!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and snacks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to inspiration for delicious everyday eats.

Conclusion

This easy and delicious air fryer cod is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With just a few ingredients and under 15 minutes of cook time, you’ve got a versatile dish that’s great on its own or as part of a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

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