This Air Fryer Cod is a quick and easy seafood dinner made with tender cod fillets, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The air fryer gives the fish a lightly crisp outside while keeping the center moist and flaky. Fresh lemon juice and parsley add a bright finishing flavor. The recipe takes less than 20 minutes and needs very little cleanup.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets, skin removed
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels if needed. Brush each fillet with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, coating the surface evenly.
- Make the seasoning: Add the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to a small bowl. Mix until the spices are well combined.
- Season the fish: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each cod fillet.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat.
- Cook the first batch: Place two cod fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave some space between the pieces. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice: Open the air fryer and drizzle 1 teaspoon of lemon juice over each fillet.
- Finish cooking: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the thickest part of the cod reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Cook the remaining cod: Repeat the same process with the other two fillets.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the cooked cod to serving plates. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Choose cod fillets that are similar in size and thickness so they cook evenly. Pat fresh or thawed frozen cod dry before adding the oil. Always thaw frozen cod completely before cooking. Preheat the air fryer before adding the fish. Keep the cod in a single layer and leave space between the fillets. If your air fryer cannot comfortably fit four fillets without crowding, cook them in two batches. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the thickest part reaches 145°F. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and works especially well with mild cod. Do not overcook the fish, as this can make it dry. For extra crunch, coat the cod with panko breadcrumbs before air frying. Try Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs for different flavors. Tartar sauce, chipotle mayo, and homemade béarnaise sauce are good options for serving. Leftover cod can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F air fryer for about 3 minutes, or until heated through. If using another type of fish, adjust the cooking time according to the thickness and always check the internal temperature.
