Air Fryer Cod (Easy 15-Minute Dinner!)

Name: Air Fryer Cod (Easy 15-Minute Dinner!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 6-oz Cod fillets; 1 tbsp Lemon juice ((freshly squeezed, from 1/2 a lemon)); 1 tsp Lemon zest ((from 1 lemon)); 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 tsp Sea salt; 1/2 tsp Black pepper; 3/4 tsp Paprika; 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper ((optional)); Cooking spray

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Have you ever tried an air fryer cod recipe? If not, you’re missing out! I love my oven baked cod and grilled cod, but making cod in the air fryer is one of the easiest cod recipes of all. Since it cooks so quickly and uses basic ingredients, it’s the perfect choice for a fast weeknight healthy dinner or for those times when you just want a light and flavorful main dish.

In fact, making any protein in the air fryer is so easy that anyone can do it! Tender air fryer filet mignon, crispy air fryer chicken legs, and juicy air fryer pork chops all make fast options when you want a satisfying main dish without a lengthy prep time. The air fryer locks in moisture, making any protein juicy and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Lemony garlic flavor
Tender, flaky cod fillets
Minimal ingredients, with no flour or breadcrumbs
Fast 10-minute cooking time
Naturally healthy, low carb, keto, paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free

Ingredients & Substitutions

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for cod in the air fryer, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

Cod Fillets – I prefer wild-caught cod fish, but you can use any variety of cod. Look for fillets that are about 6 ounces each and similar in thickness, so that they cook at the same rate. I recommend thicker fillets for most cod recipes, which dry out less. You can use either regular cod fillets or cod loin in the air fryer. While both types of fish are suitable, the cod loin is generally thicker and considered to be higher quality. This air fryer cod recipe also works with other types of white fish, such as haddock, flounder, sole, or halibut.
Lemon – You’ll need a fresh lemon (not bottled lemon juice), since we’re using the zest as well as the juice.
Olive Oil – For brushing over the fish. You can also use a different neutral cooking oil, such as avocado oil.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper
Paprika – I used sweet paprika, but for a deeper flavor, try smoked paprika instead.
Garlic Powder – This air fryer cod recipe uses garlic powder for convenience, but you can use 4 cloves of fresh minced or crushed garlic instead if you prefer.
Cayenne Pepper – Optional, but kicks up the flavor.
Cooking Spray – To grease the air fryer basket. You can use any kind you prefer, but I like avocado oil spray.

VARIATION: Try other spices.

Swap the seasonings here with lemon pepper seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, blackened seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

How To Cook Cod In The Air Fryer

This section shows how to make air fryer cod no breading, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

Prep. Preheat the air fryer. Pat each fish fillet dry with paper towels.
Mix the seasonings. In a small bowl, stir together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne. Set aside.

Mix butter and lemon. In a second bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon juice and lemon zest.
Season the fish. Brush the cod fillets with the olive oil mixture. Sprinkle seasoning on both sides.

Olive oil, lemon juice and lemon zest mixed together in small bowl.

Cook. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place cod in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry until the fish is golden brown on top and flakes easily with a fork.

Finished air fryer cod with lemon wedges.

How Long To Cook Cod In The Air Fryer?

Air fry cod for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees F with a meat thermometer.

TIP: Cooking time may vary.

If you get a few pieces of fish that are different widths, the thinner pieces will be done closer to 7-8 minutes. You can remove those when done and leave the thicker pieces in a few more minutes if needed.

Can You Cook Frozen Cod In The Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen cod in the air fryer! It cooks more evenly if you thaw it first, but if you don’t have time, you can air fry frozen cod for 12-15 minutes, which is 4-5 minutes longer than fresh.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep leftover air fryer cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place cod fish in the air fryer basket and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Freeze: Place cooled fillets in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Air fryer cod on a plate flaked with a fork.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Cod Fish

This air fryer cod recipe pairs with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

Asparagus – My favorite pairing for fish! You can make roasted asparagus, garlicky sauteed asparagus, crisp grilled asparagus (perfect for summer), bacon wrapped asparagus, or for a quicker recipe, try air fryer asparagus.
Potatoes – Make oven roasted potatoes, fluffy Instant Pot baked potatoes, or a baked sweet potato. Or, choose a lighter swaps like fried radishes, easy roasted rutabaga (tastes just like potatoes), or loaded cauliflower casserole.
Rice – White or brown rice makes an easy side, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Salads – Pair these fillets with a fresh salads like creamy cucumber salad, fruity spring mix salad, or a summery strawberry spinach salad — or choose from one of my other healthy salad recipes!
Tartar Sauce – Don’t forget your fish dip! Use your favorite variety, or try my sugar-free tartar sauce.
Fish Tacos – Flake the air fryer cod with a fork and stuff into your favorite tortillas with some taco slaw, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

Fish and seafood already cook so quickly… so the air fryer gets them ready lightning fast! Try these other mouthwatering ways to prepare them.

Recommended Tools

Air Fryer – This is the one I have. It has a customizable touch screen, and my favorite part is the dishwasher-safe roomy basket!
Basting Brush – Ensure the lemon oil mixture is evenly distributed with a basting brush. This one won’t leave bristles on your food, unlike traditional brushes.

Air Fryer Cod

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3 Comments

Sharina
0 May 17, 2023Reply

This is one of the easiest cod recipes! It was so savory and enjoyable!
jess
0 May 17, 2023Reply

Such a simple recipe, such a fantastic flavor! Thank you so much for sharing!
Kara
0 May 17, 2023Reply

First time I’ve tried making fish in my air fryer, and it turned out perfectly! I did add the cayenne, and I liked the bit of kick. 🙂