Cooking Frozen Cod In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Cooking frozen cod in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty and healthy meal. It is possible to cook the fish from frozen, without defrosting, and it can be seasoned with herbs and spices to your liking. The whole process can take less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Cooking times and temperatures

When cooking frozen cod in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature will depend on the thickness of your fillets and the type of air fryer you are using. It is important to note that the internal temperature of the cod should reach 145°F (63°C) to be fully cooked.

Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 350°F and cooking the cod for a total of 14 to 20 minutes. However, one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 390°F and cooking the cod for a total of 12 minutes.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
• Place the frozen cod fillets in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Season the cod with salt, pepper, and dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, or parsley. You can also try other spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or curry powder.
• Cook the cod for 8 minutes at 350°F.
• Flip the cod and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Plate the cod and squeeze fresh lemon juice over it.

It is important to note that you should not defrost the cod before cooking it, as this can affect the texture and increase the risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cod to ensure it is fully cooked.

Seasoning and spices

When it comes to seasoning and spices for your frozen cod, the options are endless! You can season the cod however you like and get creative with different spices and herbs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Salt and Pepper

A classic combination of salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to season your cod. Sprinkle both sides of the cod generously with salt and pepper before placing it in the air fryer. This combination will enhance the natural flavour of the cod without overpowering it.

Dried Herbs

Adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, or parsley can introduce an extra layer of flavour to your cod. You can use a single herb or create your own blend by mixing a few different herbs. Sprinkle the herbs over the cod along with salt and pepper for a more complex taste profile.

Spicy Kick

If you prefer your food with a kick, spices like smoked paprika, chilli powder, curry powder, or cayenne pepper are great options. You can mix and match these spices or use them individually, depending on your preference for heat. Add a generous amount to your cod along with some salt to bring out their flavours.

Lemon and Butter

While not exactly a spice or seasoning, a lemon and butter emulsion can take your cod to the next level. Drizzle the cod with melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before or after cooking. This combination adds a tangy, savoury dimension to the mild flavour of the cod.

Garlic

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of your cod. You can use garlic powder, which you can mix with other seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika, or fresh garlic cloves, which you can mash and spread over the cod.

When seasoning your cod, remember to be generous and ensure the entire surface of the cod is coated. You can also experiment with different combinations of the above seasonings and spices to find your favourite flavour profile.

Defrosting and thawing

While it is possible to cook cod in an air fryer from frozen, it is not always recommended. Some sources suggest that defrosting your cod before cooking it in an air fryer will yield better results. This is because large cuts of fish, such as whole sides of fish, can be unevenly cooked if cooked directly from frozen. Therefore, it is recommended that you defrost your cod before air frying if your fillets are larger than six ounces or thicker than one inch.

If you do choose to defrost your cod before air frying, there are a few methods you can use. One method is to submerge the cod in cool water for an hour or so to defrost. Another option is to let the fish thaw slowly in the fridge, but it is important to note that the Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance states that fish should never be defrosted slowly in the fridge or at room temperature. Once your cod is defrosted, you can then season it and cook it in your air fryer.

It is important to note that if you choose to defrost your cod, you should not refreeze it. Additionally, defrosted cod will have a shorter cooking time in the air fryer, taking around 6 minutes to cook through.

On the other hand, if you are short on time, it is possible to cook your cod in the air fryer from frozen. Simply season your cod and place it in the air fryer basket, being careful to leave space between the fillets to allow for ample heat circulation. Cook the cod for 12-20 minutes, or until it is opaque white, flakes easily, and has a crispy golden brown exterior.

Breading and battering

If you want to replicate a true fish fry, you can add a crispy breading or a panko crust to your cod. To do this, dip the fillets in butter and then coat them in panko breadcrumbs before air frying. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, giving the fish a flavour boost and an extra crispy texture.

You can also experiment with different seasonings. Try Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for a unique flavour profile. Alternatively, squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the cod before air frying for a tangy kick. If you want to add some herbs, sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme on top of the cod for an added aromatic touch.

If you want to cook your cod from frozen, you can do so in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, but it should take around 15-20 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 350-390˚F and place the frozen cod fillets in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. You can lightly spray the basket and fillets with olive oil to prevent sticking and drying out. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the fillets and air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked through. The cod should be white and flaky throughout, with an internal temperature of 145˚F/63˚C.

Accompanying dishes

Air fryer cod is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides to make a tasty and healthy meal. Here are some ideas for accompanying dishes to serve with your air fryer cod:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great option to serve with your air fryer cod. You can air fry vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, or green beans. This ensures that your meal is cooked in a single appliance and saves you time and effort. Roasted vegetables are another delicious option to consider.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish that can complement your air fryer cod. You can prepare potato side dishes in various ways, such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries. For a creamy and indulgent option, try celeriac and sweet potato mash.

Salad

A refreshing side salad can be the perfect accompaniment to your air fryer cod. You can keep it simple with a basic side salad or add some crunch with toasted almonds. If you're looking for something more substantial, consider a spicy jalapeno slaw with avocado and a drizzle of lime crema.

Fries

Fries are always a popular choice, and they go well with air fryer cod. You can opt for traditional French fries or mix it up with eggplant fries or sweet potato fries. Don't forget to serve it with a side of tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!

Rice, Quinoa, or Couscous

If you're looking for something more filling, rice, quinoa, or couscous can be great carbohydrate options to round out your meal. These grains provide a neutral base to balance the flavors of your air fryer cod.

Tacos

For a fun and interactive meal, serve your air fryer cod in tacos. You can set up a taco bar with various toppings, sauces, and salsas, allowing everyone to customize their tacos. Don't forget the avocado and lime crema for a touch of creaminess and freshness!

Dipping Sauces

No matter which sides you choose, don't forget the dipping sauces! Tartar sauce, aioli, and salsa are all excellent choices to enhance the flavor of your air fryer cod. You can even get creative and make your own dipping sauces, like avocado cilantro sauce or spicy chipotle mayo.

With these accompanying dish ideas, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal featuring air fryer cod as the star!

Frequently asked questions