Air Fryer Cod Recipe

Air Fryer Cod is a healthier, low-fat alternative to traditional fried fish, boasting a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. This quick and easy recipe requires no breading, making it naturally gluten-free and perfect for those seeking a lighter meal option. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, you’ll have a nutritious and delicious meal on the table in less than 10 minutes. Plus, cod is packed with health benefits like being rich in protein, low in fat, and an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this tasty dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cod fillets (approx. 1 inch thick, thawed if using frozen)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (or your choice of seasoning)

You can get creative with your seasoning, using lemon pepper, Cajun spices, garlic powder, paprika, or even a blend of your favorite herbs. Adding citrus or fresh herbs like dill or parsley is also an excellent way to enhance the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cod Fillets

Start by brushing both sides of your cod fillets with oil—extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil work wonderfully for this recipe. Season generously with your preferred spices. Old Bay seasoning offers a zesty kick, but you can opt for a simple blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Tip: Ensure the fillets are well thawed if previously frozen, and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fish crisp up better during cooking.

Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer

While the cod absorbs the seasoning, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential to ensure the fish cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior.

Meanwhile, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the fillets from sticking. Nonstick spray works well, but a light brush of olive oil or avocado oil can also do the trick.

Step 3: Air Frying the Cod

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned fillets in the basket in a single layer. If you’re cooking multiple fillets, avoid overcrowding the basket—this ensures that hot air circulates properly around each piece, leading to even cooking and crispiness.

Cook the cod at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For best results, flip the fish halfway through cooking. The cod should turn a golden-brown color and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the fish is cooked thoroughly.

Step 4: Making a Delicious Dipping Sauce

While your cod is air-frying, you can whip up a dipping sauce to accompany your fish. Here are two options:

1. Tartar Sauce:
   • ½ cup mayonnaise
   • 2 teaspoons finely chopped pickles (or sweet pickle relish)
   • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
   • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
   • A pinch of salt

   Mix these ingredients together for a classic, tangy tartar sauce.

2. Avocado Cilantro Dipping Sauce:
   • 1 ripe avocado
   • 1 tablespoon lime juice
   • 1 garlic clove, minced
   • A pinch of salt

   Blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. This sauce offers a fresh, vibrant flavor with the creamy texture of avocado.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

Serve the air-fried cod hot with your favorite side dishes. Popular options include:

• Air Fryer French Fries for a healthy alternative to classic fries.
• Roasted Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots.
• A refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cod.

For extra flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top of the fish or serve it with a wedge of lemon on the side.

Variations and Customization

This air fryer cod recipe is versatile and easy to adapt. Here are some ways you can make it your own:

1. Panko-Crusted Cod: For a breaded version, coat the fillets with panko breadcrumbs before air frying. The panko creates a wonderfully crispy crust that complements the tender fish inside.
2. Seasoning Options: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun spices, lemon-pepper, or smoked paprika for a unique flavor. You could also add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme before cooking for an aromatic boost.
3. Citrus Twist: Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the fillets before air frying to add a tangy kick to the fish.
4. Swap the Cod: If you prefer, you can easily substitute cod with other white fish like tilapia, haddock, or sea bass. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish fillets.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the fillets in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the fish crispy, unlike microwaving, which can make it soggy.

Air Fryer Cod Recipe