Golden Perfection: Easy Air Fryer Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Make your weeknight dinners special with this quick and flavorful air fryer cod recipe. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a light, flaky, and moist fish dish. Using simple ingredients like olive oil, fresh lemon, and a few basic spices, this recipe turns cod into a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a fast and easy meal. With minimal effort, you get a nutritious and tasty dish.
- Mild and Delicious: Cod has a mild taste that isn’t too strong, making it great for those who don’t like fishy flavors. The lemon and garlic add a fresh and tasty touch.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer cooks the cod evenly, keeping it moist and tender with a flaky texture.
- Basic Ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients—everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cod Fillets: Choose wild-caught cod for the best flavor and quality. Each fillet should be about 6 ounces and evenly thick for even cooking. If you don’t have cod, you can use haddock, flounder, halibut, or sole.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon is a must! It adds both zest and juice for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice as it lacks the freshness of real lemons.
- Olive Oil: This helps the spices stick to the fish and adds a smooth texture. You can also use avocado oil or even butter for a richer taste.
- Spices: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper creates a flavorful seasoning. If you want a stronger flavor, try blackened seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or Old Bay.
How to Make Air Fryer Cod
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Make the Lemon Oil: In another bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a flavorful marinade.
- Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush them with the lemon oil mixture and then sprinkle both sides with the spice mix.
- Air Fry the Cod: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned fillets in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation. Cook until the cod is golden on top and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cod
- Use Thicker Fillets: Thicker pieces stay more moist and tender compared to thin ones.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fish. Thin fillets cook faster, while thick ones need extra time.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the fish reaches 135-140°F for perfect doneness.
- Cooking Frozen Cod: You can cook frozen cod in the air fryer. First, air fry for 3-4 minutes to thaw, then add oil and seasonings before continuing to cook until flaky.
Storing, Reheating, and Serving Ideas
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm the fish in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to keep it moist.
- Serving Ideas: Pair the cod with air-fried vegetables, roasted potatoes, fresh salads, or use it for fish tacos.
Other Air Fryer Seafood Recipes to Try
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Lobster
- Air Fryer Tilapia
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air Fryer: A reliable air fryer with a user-friendly touchscreen and dishwasher-safe parts.
- Basting Brush: A good-quality basting brush to evenly coat the fish with oil and seasoning.
Enjoy this easy and tasty air fryer cod recipe for a healthy and satisfying meal any day of the week!
Air Fryer Cod
A light and flaky air fryer cod recipe ready in just 15 minutes, made with simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and spices.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
- Pat each cod fillet dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- In another small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Brush the cod fillets with the olive oil mixture on both sides. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides and press gently to help it stick.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the cod fillets in the basket, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C).
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.