Air Fryer Cod – Crispy, Flaky, and Flavor-Packed

SAVE THIS!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy & Flaky – The air fryer creates a golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
2. Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
3. Healthy Option – Minimal oil needed; the air fryer locks in flavor without excess fat.
4. Customizable – Add your favorite spices, marinades, or sauces to make it your own.
5. Kid-Friendly – Cod’s mild flavor makes it appealing even to picky eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 2–4

For the Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), patted dry
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika for deeper flavor)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp lemon zest (optional but recommended)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce or aioli for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This ensures the cod starts cooking immediately for a crispy exterior.

Step 2 – Prepare the Cod

1. Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels — this is key for crispiness.
2. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
3. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the fillets, pressing gently to help it stick.

Step 3 – Air Fry the Cod

1. Arrange fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for airflow. (Work in batches if needed.)
2. Lightly spritz the tops with cooking spray or brush with a bit more oil.
3. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 4 – Finish & Serve

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.
• Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or aioli.

Why This Recipe Works

• Dry Surface – Patting the cod dry ensures a crisp exterior instead of steaming.
• Seasoning Balance – Garlic, paprika, and lemon zest add both depth and brightness.
• Air Fryer Magic – Hot circulating air gives you that fried texture without deep frying.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
• Herbaceous Twist – Mix in dried dill, thyme, or rosemary.
• Glazed Perfection – Brush with honey-mustard or teriyaki glaze in the last 2 minutes.
• Mediterranean Style – Top with diced tomatoes, olives, and feta after cooking.
• Breaded Option – Coat with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd – Leave space in the air fryer basket for proper airflow.
• Check Doneness Early – Cod cooks fast; check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to keep them crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Romantic Touch – Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens.
• Brunch Staple – Serve with coffee, tea, and fresh fruit.
• Party Platter – Pair with roasted veggies, quinoa salad, or garlic bread.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Cod is a celebration of fresh flavors, flaky texture, and effortless cooking. With endless customization options and just minutes of prep, it’s a dish that works for elegant dinners, casual snacks, or quick weeknight meals.