Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a great way to cook cod fillets, with many recipes available online. The air fryer's method of cooking allows the circulating air to cook the outside and inside of the fish while keeping it intact. This results in a crispy, crunchy texture without the need for excessive oil. The cod fillets can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, or cajun spice, and are typically ready to eat in under 15 minutes. The air fryer is also a healthy option for cooking cod, as it uses minimal oil and produces less mess compared to other cooking methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 8-15 minutes |
| Cook temperature | 350-400°F (180-200°C) |
| Fillet type | Cod fillets or loins |
| Fillet thickness | Same thickness for even cooking |
| Fillet weight | 6 ounces |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray |
| Seasoning | Old Bay, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, or taco seasoning |
| Internal temperature | 140-145°F (60-63°C) |
| Dipping sauce | Lemon |
| Sides | Rice, vegetables, potatoes, or salad |
| Leftovers | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning options
The seasoning options for cod are endless. You can season the cod fillets with salt and pepper to taste on both sides. You can also use garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. If you want to experiment with different seasonings, you can use Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, or cajun spice. You can also try a breading station by dipping the cod fillets in flour, egg wash, and ranch-seasoned panko. For a different flavor, you can use taco seasoning, or coat the fillets in a mixture of panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic powder.
If you want to enhance the mild, lemony garlic flavor of the cod, you can brush the fillets with an olive oil and lemon mixture before seasoning. You can also garnish the cooked cod with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
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Preheat and prep
To cook cod fillets in an air fryer, you'll first need to preheat your appliance and prepare the fish. This process is relatively simple and quick, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Most sources recommend this temperature for cooking cod fillets. However, if you're using cod loins, which are typically thicker, you may want to set your air fryer to 370°F. Aim for a preheating time of around 5 minutes, or until the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.
While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your cod fillets. If you're using frozen cod, you don't necessarily need to thaw it beforehand. However, if you do wish to thaw, avoid using hot water. Instead, place the frozen cod in the fridge overnight, or submerge it in a sealed bag of cold water for quicker results.
The next step is to pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for removing excess moisture, which will help the fish brown better and promote a crispier texture. If you're using frozen cod, make sure to pat dry any excess ice.
Now it's time to brush both sides of the cod fillets with oil or melted butter. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other neutral cooking oil. This step ensures that the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer basket and helps create a crispy exterior.
After brushing with oil, it's time to season the fish. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences. Don't be afraid to try pre-made seasoning blends like taco seasoning or get adventurous with lemon pepper or cajun spice.
Let the cod marinate for a few minutes to absorb the spices and herbs. This step will enhance the flavour of your fish. You can also use this time to grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for cod fillets in an air fryer depend on various factors, including the type of cod, its thickness, and whether it is fresh or frozen.
For fresh cod fillets, preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F (180–200°C). The cooking time will vary between 8 and 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of crispiness. Thicker fillets will take longer to cook and are less likely to dry out. For example, cod loins, which are typically thicker, may need to air fry at 370°F for about 10 minutes. If you prefer a more well-done texture, you can cook the fillets for an additional 1-2 minutes. It is recommended to flip the cod halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and cooking.
For frozen cod fillets, there are different approaches you can take. Some recipes suggest thawing the fillets before cooking, while others recommend cooking them directly from frozen. If you choose to thaw the fillets first, you can follow similar instructions as for fresh cod. Preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F (180–200°C) and cook for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. On the other hand, if you cook frozen cod without thawing, you may need to increase the cooking time by 2–3 minutes. For example, one recipe suggests cooking frozen cod at 350°F for 4 minutes, then air frying again at 370°F for about 10 minutes.
To ensure food safety, it is recommended to use a meat or instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod. The fish should reach a minimum of 145°F (63°C) in its thickest part before serving. Additionally, you can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the fish; if the cod flakes easily, it is cooked.
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Reheating and storing
When it comes to storing your leftover cod fillets, it is recommended to place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The cooked fish can be stored for up to 3 to 5 days. If you wish to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the cod by letting it cool completely and then transferring it to a shallow container or a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat the cod fillets, you can use a microwave, an air fryer, or an oven. For microwave reheating, 45 seconds to 2 minutes at maximum power should be sufficient. If you prefer the crispiness that comes with an air fryer or oven, reheat the cod for about 3 to 5 minutes at 340º F to 350º F in the air fryer, or place the cod on a sheet pan and bake at 350º F for 10 minutes in the oven.
It is worth noting that the reheating time in the air fryer may vary depending on the original cooking time and the size of the cod fillets. As a general rule, you can reheat food for roughly one-third of the original cooking time at the same temperature or at a slightly lower temperature for half the time for larger items.
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Other fish to cook in an air fryer
You can cook a variety of fish in an air fryer, including cod, salmon, mahi-mahi, tilapia, haddock, pollock, flounder, sole, halibut, and white trout.
For thin white fish fillets like cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi, a simple recipe involves dredging the fillets in flour, then egg, and finally a seasoned breadcrumb and cornmeal coating. The fillets are then placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spritzed with cooking spray, and cooked for around 10 minutes at 380°F-400°F (200°C) until golden brown and crispy.
For thicker fillets of fish like salmon, a slightly lower temperature and longer cooking time may be required. For example, cooking salmon at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets after the first 8-10 minutes, should yield similar crispy and golden results.
For whole fish like trout, a similar breading method can be used, but the cooking time will depend on the size of the fish.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 8-15 minutes to cook cod fillets in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides of the fillets with oil or melted butter and season with herbs and spices of your choice.
The cod fillets are cooked when they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, and white/opaque on the inside. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 145°F.
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. If they are frozen, make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water.
