Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer cod recipe offers a convenient and healthy way to prepare cod without the need for frying. By using the air fryer, you get a crispy golden crust on the outside while keeping the fish tender and flaky on the inside. The best part? It takes only 15 minutes from start to finish. The seasoning of paprika and garlic powder adds a delightful depth of flavor, and the fresh lemon wedges brighten up each bite. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a light and flavorful lunch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cod fillets (approximately 150g each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Pat dry the cod fillets with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with paprika and garlic powder.
- Brush both sides of each fillet with the seasoned oil mixture.
- Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Set the air fryer to 200°C/390°F and cook the fillets for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark, as cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Carefully remove the cod fillets from the air fryer. Serve with lemon wedges and squeeze lemon over the fish just before eating.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Cod: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Cod: Mix in dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the olive oil and seasoning mix for a more herbal flavor profile.
- Crispy Coating: If you prefer a crispy coating, dip the seasoned cod fillets in breadcrumbs or panko before air frying.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with lime or orange wedges in place of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the cod in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just be sure to fully thaw them before patting them dry and following the recipe.
2. Can I use a different fish instead of cod?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other mild white fish like haddock, tilapia, or pollock.
3. How can I tell when my cod is done?
The cod is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer, which should read 145°F (63°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the fillet.
4. Can I cook more than two fillets in the air fryer at once?
Yes, but ensure that the fillets are not overlapping, as this will ensure even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches if they do not fit in a single layer.
5. What sides go well with air fryer cod?
Serve your cod with sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
6. Can I use any other oil for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer. Olive oil gives a nice flavor, but other oils will work well too.
7. How do I avoid dry cod?
Make sure not to overcook the cod. Check for doneness at the 10-minute mark to avoid it becoming dry. Cod cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long in the air fryer.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, if you add breadcrumbs or a coating, make sure they are gluten-free.
9. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the cod at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes. The air fryer method is quicker, but the oven method works too.
10. What can I use instead of lemon wedges for serving?
If you don’t have lemon, you can try lime wedges or even a vinegar-based sauce for a tangy twist.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Cod recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare fish. With minimal prep time and a quick cooking process, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a healthy, crispy meal. The seasoning options are endless, allowing you to customize it to your taste, and the air fryer ensures perfectly cooked fish every time. Enjoy your meal with a squeeze of lemon and a garnish of fresh parsley for that extra touch!
Air Fryer Cod
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air fryer cod is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked fish with minimal effort. The crispy exterior combined with the flaky, tender fish makes this a family favorite.
Ingredients
2 cod fillets (approximately 150g each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Lemon wedges for serving
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat dry the cod fillets with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with paprika and garlic powder.
- Brush both sides of each fillet with the seasoned oil mixture.
- Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Set the air fryer to 200°C/390°F and cook the fillets for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark, as cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Carefully remove the cod fillets from the air fryer. Serve with lemon wedges and squeeze lemon over the fish just before eating.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
To add some spice, you can incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mixture.
For an herbed variation, mix in dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary with the oil and seasoning mix.
For a crispy coating, dip the cod fillets in breadcrumbs or panko before air frying.
You can also try lime or orange wedges instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat leftover cod in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 4-5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
