Air-Fried Cod: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Yes, you can cook cod in an air fryer! It's a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook fish, with minimal prep and cleanup. The air fryer gives the cod a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky. You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to suit your taste, such as Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cod fillets, but on average, it should take around 8-10 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C).

Cooking times for frozen vs fresh cod

Cod is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, pan-frying, grilling, steaming, and air frying. When it comes to cooking frozen vs fresh cod in an air fryer, there are some key differences in cooking time and preparation to note.

Cooking Frozen Cod in an Air Fryer

It is important to note that the cooking time for frozen cod in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature setting. Most sources recommend cooking frozen cod at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes, then adding oil and seasonings, and air frying at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional 10-12 minutes. The total cooking time for frozen cod in an air fryer is generally around 15-20 minutes. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by a meat thermometer. To achieve a crispy texture, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket and cod fillets with olive oil before cooking.

Cooking Fresh Cod in an Air Fryer

When cooking fresh cod in an air fryer, the preparation and cooking time may vary slightly. Firstly, fresh cod should be patted dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, brush the cod fillets with oil, melted butter, or avocado oil and season with herbs, spices, salt, and pepper to taste. Some popular seasoning options include Old Bay seasoning, lemon pepper, Cajun spice, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. The air fryer should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cod should be cooked for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. It is important to flip the cod halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning. Similar to frozen cod, the internal temperature of fresh cod should also reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

In summary, the key difference in cooking frozen vs fresh cod in an air fryer lies in the preparation and cooking time. Frozen cod requires slightly longer cooking times and may need additional steps such as thawing and removing surface frost. Fresh cod, on the other hand, can be cooked directly after seasoning and should be cooked for a shorter duration to avoid overcooking. In both cases, it is crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the cod to ensure it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety and optimal taste and texture.

How to get crispy skin

To get crispy skin on your cod, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture and ensure that the skin crisps up during cooking. You can also cut the cod into your desired size or leave them whole.

Next, brush both sides of the cod fillets with oil, butter, or melted butter. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, or a combination of lemon juice and olive oil. This will add flavour and help the skin to crisp.

Then, season the cod fillets. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or black pepper. You can also add lemon zest to the mix. It is important to season both sides of the fillets.

After seasoning, place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket. Make sure that the basket has been sprayed with cooking spray or oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Cook for around 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cod is ready when it is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature has reached 145°F.

Finally, serve the cod immediately. It can be served with a variety of sides, such as sliced lemon, steamed vegetables, or french fries.

By following these steps, you can achieve crispy skin on your air-fried cod while also keeping the inside tender and flaky.

Reheating and storing leftovers

When it comes to storing and reheating leftovers, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure food safety and optimal taste.

Firstly, it is recommended to store any leftover cod in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to four to five days. This will ensure that the fish remains fresh and safe to consume.

For reheating, you have a couple of options. You can either use the air fryer or a skillet. To reheat in the air fryer, preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the cod inside for about five minutes or until warmed through. This method is ideal if you prefer your cod to have a crispy texture similar to when it was first cooked. Alternatively, you can reheat the cod in a skillet on the stovetop. While this method may take a bit longer, it can help retain the moisture in the fish.

It is worth noting that some people prefer to consume cod immediately after cooking, as it is believed that the taste and texture are optimal at that point. However, if you do have leftovers, proper storage and reheating can still result in a delicious meal.

Additionally, when reheating, it is important to ensure that the cod reaches a safe internal temperature. This is especially important if you are reheating a larger portion. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

Seasoning and spices

Choosing the Right Spices

The beauty of cooking cod in an air fryer is that you can experiment with various spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Some commonly used spices for air fryer cod include:

• Salt: Sea salt flakes or regular salt adds a savory element to the dish.
• Black Pepper: Ground black pepper adds a subtle kick to the cod.
• Paprika: This spice adds a mild heat and a vibrant red color to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder contributes a savory, garlicky flavor that pairs well with the mild taste of cod.
• Cayenne Pepper: A small amount of cayenne pepper can be added for an extra spicy kick.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs and spices adds an aromatic flavor to the cod.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay is a popular choice for fish dishes, offering a unique blend of herbs and spices.
• Lemon Pepper: For a citrusy kick, lemon pepper can be used.
• Cajun Spice: Cajun spice adds a blend of heat and flavor to the cod.

Creating a Flavorful Dish

When seasoning cod for the air fryer, you can follow these simple steps to create a tasty dish:

• Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings adhere better to the fish.
• Brush the cod with oil or butter: A thin coating of olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter adds flavor and helps the seasonings stick to the fish.
• Apply the seasonings: Sprinkle the chosen seasonings generously over the cod fillets, ensuring both sides are well-coated. You can also mix the seasonings with the oil or butter before brushing it onto the fish.
• Consider marinating: For extra flavor, you can marinate the cod fillets in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking.
• Bread the cod (optional): For an extra crispy texture, you can dip the cod fillets in flour, then egg, and finally coat them in breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to trust your taste buds and adjust the spices according to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and amounts to find your perfect blend.

What to serve with cod

Cod is a versatile and healthy white fish that can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cod:

Side Dishes

• Vegetable Sides: Green vegetables such as sautéed broccoli florets seasoned with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or sautéed green beans seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, and topped with crispy crumbled bacon. You could also try roasted Brussels sprouts with a twist, such as maple bourbon Brussels sprouts.
• Potatoes: Boiled new potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad.
• Rice: Plain rice or, for a tropical flair, rice flavoured with coconut milk, coconut water, and a touch of sugar.
• Salads: A hearty harvest salad or a simple side salad.
• Bread: Bruschetta or zucchini fritters.

Sauces

• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon or a simple lemon butter sauce.
• Tartar Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, finely chopped pickles, lemon juice, Dijon or yellow mustard, and a pinch of salt.
• Avocado-Based: Avocado cilantro dipping sauce (blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy) or avocado crema (a twist on traditional tartar sauce).
• Walnut Arugula Pesto: A vegan option that pairs well with cod.
• Cajun Dijon Mustard: Mix Dijon mustard, Cajun seasoning blend, and olive oil for a spicy, tangy marinade.
• Pollo Asado: A chipotle-based marinade with lime and orange juice.

Frequently asked questions