Air-Fried Cod: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryer cod is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook fish. It's a low-calorie, low-fat alternative to fried fish, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. The air fryer gives the cod a golden crust while keeping the inside soft and flaky. It's also versatile and can be served in fish tacos, on a bun, or with sides like salad or fries. The best type of cod to use is fresh, wild-caught cod, but frozen cod and other types of white fish can also be used. The cooking time is typically around 8–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, and the temperature should be set at 350–400°F.

How to cook frozen cod in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the air fryer and cod

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer preheats, remove the cod from its packaging and place it on a plate. If the cod is wrapped in plastic, ensure all the plastic is removed before seasoning and cooking. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess ice.

Step 2: Season the cod

Drizzle olive oil over the cod and rub it into all surfaces. Brush each fillet on both sides with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. Season the fish on both sides with a spice mix of your choice—a simple blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme works well.

Step 3: Air fry the cod

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Place the seasoned cod in the air fryer basket, leaving a little room between the fillets for the air to circulate.

Step 4: Cook the cod

Cook the cod for 8 minutes at 380°F, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The cod is done when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the cod to a plate and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes, vegetables, or rice.

Tips:

• The cook time may vary depending on the thickness of your cod fillets and how hot your air fryer runs, so it's helpful to use a meat thermometer to ensure the cod is cooked through.
• For moist and flaky results, choose thicker cod fillets as they don't dry out as easily.
• You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the recipe to your taste.

How to reheat leftover cod in an air fryer

To reheat leftover cod in an air fryer, first remove the fish from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the cod in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer with space to circulate. Reheat for 2-5 minutes, or until the fish is warmed through and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.

The time required to reheat the cod will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish, which should be 145°F when done. Alternatively, the fish is ready when it is completely white/opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

It is important to note that reheating cod in an air fryer may affect its texture, making it drier and less flaky than when it was first cooked. To retain moisture, some sources suggest brushing the cod with oil or cooking spray before reheating.

Additionally, it is recommended to consume leftover cod within 3 to 5 days of storage in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to get a crispy exterior on cod in an air fryer

To get a crispy exterior on cod in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure your cod fillets are fresh and of similar thickness to allow for even cooking. If using frozen cod, it is best to thaw it first by placing it in cold water for 20 minutes or cooking for 3-4 minutes until thawed. Then, pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Next, prepare your seasoning and breading. In one bowl, mix lemon juice and olive oil, and in another bowl, add your choice of spices and breading. For a simple spice mix, you can use salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other dried herbs and spices of your choice. You can also coat the cod in flour before dipping it in the lemon-oil mixture for a more even coating.

Now, it's time to bread the cod. Dip each cod fillet into the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated, and then dip it into the egg mixture, shaking off any excess. Finally, coat the cod in the breading mixture, which can include panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. Make sure the breading sticks well to the cod.

After breading, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the cod fillets in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. For even browning, flip the cod halfway through the cooking time.

To check if the cod is cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fillet. Alternatively, the cod is likely done when it is completely white or opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture, and enjoy your crispy air fryer cod!

How to season cod in an air fryer

There are many ways to season cod in an air fryer, and it is a great way to get crispy cod without the use of excessive oil.

Firstly, you can pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the fish to brown better. Then, brush each side of the cod fillets with olive oil or melted butter. Next, you can add your chosen seasonings to the fish. A simple spice mix could include salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, chilli powder, and garlic powder. Alternatively, you could use a pre-made seasoning, such as Old Bay Seasoning, lemon pepper or taco seasoning. You could also try a combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Once you have seasoned the cod, you can place it in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F.

How to know when cod is cooked in an air fryer

There are a few ways to know when your cod is cooked in an air fryer. Firstly, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, so check the recipe for timing guidelines. Most recipes recommend cooking cod in an air fryer for around 8 minutes, but thicker fillets can take up to 13 minutes. If you're cooking frozen cod, it may take a little longer, around 12-15 minutes in total.

The most reliable way to know when your cod is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet should reach 145°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check by looking at the colour and texture of the fish. The cod should be golden brown on the outside and opaque white on the inside. It should also flake easily with a fork. If the cod is still translucent or pink, it needs more time to cook.

It's important to note that you shouldn't flip the cod while it's cooking in the air fryer, as uncooked fish can stick to the basket. Instead, place the cod in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is only a single layer of fish, and let it cook until it's done.

Frequently asked questions