Air-Fryer Cod Fish Fillet: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook cod fillets, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior. The air fryer's circulating air cooks the outside and inside of the fish while keeping it intact. The cooking time is very quick, and the fish is generally very thin, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight meal.

To cook cod in an air fryer, you can simply brush the fillets with oil or butter, season with salt and pepper, and air fry for around 8-10 minutes at 400°F until golden brown and crispy. You can also experiment with different seasonings and breadings, such as panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese, to add extra crispiness and flavour to your cod.

So, if you're looking for a healthy, delicious, and quick way to cook cod fillets, an air fryer is definitely worth considering!

Seasoning options

Seasoning is a key part of cooking cod fillets in an air fryer, and there are endless options to choose from.

Some recipes suggest keeping it simple, with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, while others recommend a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, dried thyme, oregano, chili powder, and lemon pepper. You can also experiment with pre-made seasonings like Old Bay, Cajun, or taco seasoning.

If you're feeling creative, you can try a flavoured rub, paste, or sauce to match the cuisine you're cooking. For a Latin American vibe, you could use a Mexican spice rub, green coriander rice, guacamole, and peach salsa. Or, for a classic take, simply serve with a squeeze of lemon or a simple lemon butter sauce.

Additionally, you can bread your cod fillets before air-frying. One recipe suggests a flour, egg, and panko breading with parmesan cheese, Old Bay Seasoning, and garlic powder. Another suggests coating the fish with breadcrumbs or panko for an extra crispy texture.

Finally, don't forget to serve your air-fried cod with a delicious dipping sauce! Tartar sauce, aioli, or a zesty homemade salsa are all great options.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking cod in an air fryer is between 350–400 °F (177–204 °C).

Preheat the Air Fryer

Before placing the cod in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. The ideal temperature for preheating the air fryer is 400 °F (204 °C).

Air Frying the Cod

Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can place the cod fillets inside and cook them for 8–15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. For thinner fillets, 8–10 minutes should be sufficient. For thicker fillets, you may need to cook them for up to 15 minutes.

It is recommended to flip the cod fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. Additionally, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish is a good way to ensure it is cooked properly. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C) for safe consumption.

Adjustments for Frozen Cod

If you are cooking frozen cod in the air fryer, you do not need to thaw it beforehand. Simply add an extra 2–3 minutes to the cooking time. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Air fryer cod from frozen

Air fryer cod is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made straight from frozen. It's a versatile dish that can be customised with various seasonings and served with a range of sides. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious air fryer cod from frozen.

Ingredients:

• Frozen cod fillets
• Olive oil or cooking oil spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: dried parsley, lemon juice, or other seasonings

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 355°C/180°C for 3 minutes.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking oil spray. This will prevent the cod from sticking and help it retain moisture.
• Place the frozen cod fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking.
• Lightly spray or brush the fillets with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, or other desired seasonings.
• Air fry the cod at 370°F/190°C for 10 minutes.
• Flip the cod fillets using tongs and spray or brush lightly with more oil.
• Air fry for an additional 8 minutes at the same temperature.
• Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the cod with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F/63°C. If it hasn't reached this temperature, continue air frying in 2-minute intervals until it does.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Use cod fillets of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid air frying at a higher temperature for a shorter time, as this can dry out the cod.
• Experiment with different seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, thyme, or oregano to find your favourite flavour combinations.
• For a crispy coating, coat the fillets in breadcrumbs or panko before air frying.
• Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice, or a salad, and dipping sauces such as tartar sauce or avocado cilantro sauce.

Dipping sauces

There are a variety of dipping sauces that can be served with cod fish fillets cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Tartar Sauce

This classic dip is a great choice for fish fillets. You can make your own by combining mayonnaise, lemon juice, pickle juice, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Don't forget to add some finely chopped pickles and dill to give it that extra crunch and flavour.

Avocado Cilantro Dipping Sauce

For a healthy option, blend avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. This sauce is packed with flavour and is a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal.

Spicy Ketchup Mayo Dip

A twist on a classic, this dipping sauce is perfect for those who like a little kick. Simply combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dill pickle relish, mustard, and hot sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce.

Lemon Herb Butter

A delicious and simple sauce to make, lemon herb butter is a great way to add some extra flavour to your cod fish fillets. Simply mix softened butter with lemon zest, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme.

Hot Honey Sauce

For something a little different, try making a hot honey sauce. This sweet and spicy sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy cod fillets. Simply heat up some honey and add a touch of cayenne pepper or your favourite hot sauce.

Reheating cod fillets

To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and place the cod fillets inside for 2-5 minutes. You can also reheat the cod in a skillet.

Some other ways to reheat cod fillets include using the microwave, which keeps the flesh moist, or an oven.

Frequently asked questions