Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, about 150–180 g each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and allows the outside to become nicely browned.
Check the fillets for any bones and remove them if necessary.
2. Season the Fish
Place the cod fillets on a plate.
Drizzle the olive oil over the fish and gently rub it over both sides.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional lemon zest.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the cod.
Gently press the seasoning onto the surface so it sticks.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3–5 minutes.
Preheating helps the cod begin cooking immediately and can improve browning.
4. Place the Cod in the Basket
Lightly spray or brush the air-fryer basket with oil if needed.
Place the seasoned cod fillets in the basket in a single layer.
Leave a little space between each piece so hot air can circulate around the fish.
5. Air Fry
Cook the cod at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 8–12 minutes.
The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets.
Thicker pieces may require a few additional minutes.
Avoid repeatedly opening the air fryer because this allows heat to escape.
6. Check for Doneness
The cod is ready when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
For food safety, fish should reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part.
If the center hasn’t reached the appropriate temperature, continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes and check again.
7. Add Lemon
Remove the cooked cod from the air fryer.
Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and serve with lemon wedges.
The fresh lemon adds brightness and balances the savory seasoning.
How to Get Perfectly Flaky Cod
Pat the Fish Dry
Excess moisture can prevent the outside from browning properly.
Don’t Overcook
Cod is naturally lean, so cooking it for too long can make it dry.
Start checking thinner fillets around 8 minutes.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air needs to circulate around the fish. If your air fryer is small, cook the fillets in batches.
Use Similar-Sized Fillets
If possible, choose cod pieces that are similar in thickness so they finish cooking at approximately the same time.
Easy Serving Ideas
Serve air fryer cod with:
- Roasted potatoes
- Air fryer potato wedges
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Rice
- Fresh salad
- Coleslaw
- Corn
- Mashed potatoes
- Lemon and herb vegetables
You can also serve it inside a soft tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and a yogurt-based sauce for an easy fish wrap.
Simple Garlic Lemon Sauce
For an easy sauce, combine:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Mix everything together and serve alongside the warm cod.
Crispy Version
If you want a crispier coating, add:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan with the seasonings.
Brush the cod lightly with olive oil, then press the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet.
Air fry at 200°C (400°F) until the coating is golden and the fish reaches 63°C (145°F) internally.
Storage
Allow leftover cod to cool and place it in a covered container in the refrigerator.
For the best quality, use leftovers within a few days.
To reheat, use the air fryer at a moderate temperature until heated through. Avoid overheating because cod can become dry.
Quick Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
Total Time: About 15–20 minutes
Servings: 4
Air Fryer: 200°C / 400°F
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method
- Pat the cod dry.
- Brush with olive oil.
- Mix the seasonings.
- Coat the cod with the seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
- Place cod in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8–12 minutes.
- Check that the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F).
- Finish with fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
